SRU students help the community relax through crafts
Community members and occupational therapy students from Slippery Rock University got hands-on experience through a program held at Butler SUCCEED Friday afternoon.
Through crafting, doctoral students of SRU’s program got to use their knowledge to help people relax and practice fine-motor skills.
Erin Naggy, assistant professor of SRU’s occupational therapy program, said the event was held two previous times for people in recovery, and is meant to benefit the students and participants equally.
“There’s a lot of scientific evidence behind using crafts for therapy. It works physically through fine motor skills, and as a relaxation tactic,” she said.
Students were called upon to research an activity, write out detailed instructions and find materials. Stations were positioned around the SUCCEED space on Main Street for community members to make stress balls, rice socks, key chains and cookies shaped like bunnies, eggs and butterflies.
Sara Chiprean, a doctoral student, said she chose her activity for the creative aspect.
