Crochet for a Cause: Hooked on Healthy is a community initiative that uses the art of crochet to encourage healthier lifestyles, strengthen connections, and create opportunities for creativity and economic empowerment.

Held in celebration of International Crochet Day on Saturday, 12 September, the initiative brings together crocheters, families, youth, and community members for a day of learning, creativity, wellness, and connection.

Through crochet, participants will explore the relationship between creativity and well-being while creating handmade pieces inspired by healthy living.

What: Crochet for a Cause: Hooked on Healthy – creating fruit and vegetables; learning about spiritual, mental, and physical well-being; receive health checks and more.

When: International Crochet Day | Saturday, 12 September; 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(Lunch will be provided. The sale of crochet creations will take place from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Where: Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre

Why: Building on the success of Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef, we are continuing to use crochet to inspire community connection, creativity, and positive change with a health focus.

How: BBD 100 contribution

Through four Tutor Tuesday sessions, participants will receive crochet guidance, support, and encouragement as they practise their chosen design, build confidence in their skills, and prepare their creations for International Crochet Day.

Tutor Tuesdays: Crochet Support Sessions

Session	Date
Tutor Tuesday 1	Tuesday, 18 August
Tutor Tuesday 2	Tuesday, 25 August
Tutor Tuesday 3	Tuesday, 1 September
Tutor Tuesday 4	Tuesday, 8 September

The final Tutor Tuesday session will provide an opportunity for participants to complete final touches and prepare their creations ahead of the event on Saturday, 12 September.

Participant Experience

For a $100 investment, participants will receive:

Crochet materials, including yarn allocation
Access to selected crochet patterns
Four Tutor Tuesday crochet support sessions
Lunch on the day of the event
Participation in Crochet for a Cause: Hooked on Healthy
Opportunities to connect with other crocheters and community members
The opportunity to showcase completed creations

The investment supports participants in developing their creativity, strengthening their crochet skills, and exploring the possibilities of handmade products.

Loop Yourself In (Register)

Meet the Speakers

Lynriel Hunte holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology and a Master of Science in Applied Psychology. She is passionate about development, research, and creativity, and is dedicated to helping others unlock their potential through both science and art.

As a Project Officer in the Division of Youth and Culture, Prime Ministers Office, Lynriel designs, implements, and evaluates youth programmes that strengthen soft skills, enhance mental wellbeing, and improve job readiness in young people across Barbados. Her background also includes work with the Substance Abuse Foundation, where she developed and implemented rehabilitation interventions to support individuals experiencing cognitive impairment.

Lynriel is also the founder of Knots of Love, a creative brand specializing in custom and unique amigurumi crochet pieces. It has now grown to provide youth and community centred services that merge creativity with psychology, using art as a powerful tool for mental health, self-expression, and holistic development.

Dr. Vicki Estwick is a medical practitioner of thirteen years, with a focus in exercise for special populations, i.e., those with

chronic diseases and the elderly. She received her medical education at the University of the West Indies, graduating in 2013.

She completed her medical internship in Antigua as the Intern of the Year 2013-2014. After another three years at the then

Mount St. John’s Medical Centre, Dr. Estwick returned to Barbados to work in the polyclinics until 2021. During this time, she

noted the deficit in knowledge regarding physical activity and exercise in both patients and health care providers.

Dr. Estwick went on to attend Middlesex University in London in 2021-2022. She has been awarded a Master’s of Science in

Exercise and Physical Activity for Special Populations and Healthy Ageing, graduating with distinction. She also holds an

Elite Trainer certification from the International Sports Sciences Association, a certificate in Exercise and Adults in

Transition from Loughborough University, and is a member of the Barbados Sports Medicine Association.

Upon her return, Dr. Estwick founded Dr. Vickster Fitness, through which she trains persons with the intent of chronic disease

management and prevention, overall good function and healthy ageing. Her other roles include being a general practitioner,

Community Clinical Instructor in Barbados and as a visiting lecturer at the American University of Antigua. This work has seen her through various media appearances, including a feature by the Public Affairs Department.

Outside of medicine, she also enjoys charity work with various non-profit organizations.

Overall Dr. Vicki Estwick’s goal is to guide and encourage the population to “Move often, age well”.

Annette Cumberbatch is a volunteer faith-based Counsellor at the People’s Cathedral Church where she and her husband Wingrove have been faithful members for over twenty years. Annette serves on the church’s Prayer-line and has been a part of the Church’s counselling ministry since its inception eight years ago. Annette is employed at the Psy

chiatric Hospital as a Counselling Psychologist serving persons of the community. Annette holds a BSC in Psychology with management and a MSC in Counselling Psychology. Annette is passionate about creating awareness, clarity, purpose and hope through her work with individuals, couples and families.

Annette has a deep love for God and family, enjoys travelling and is an avid crochet fan just like us! In fact, crochet is one of her main relaxation tools!