AN appeal has been launched for unwanted jigsaws so they can be redistributed to help elderly people through lockdown in Ilkley, Ben Rhydding and Addingham.

Simon Heathcote came up with the idea after reading about the health benefits of completing jigsaw puzzles.

“Jigsaws are known to have numerous benefits for all ages but especially for the elderly,” he said. “ Studies show that people who do jigsaw puzzles have longer life spans with less chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss or dementia.

“Jigsaws are known to stimulate the brain and they are a great meditation tool and stress reliever. Focusing on one image for a long period of time, without extraneous thoughts entering your mind, is in itself mediation. By doing a jigsaw puzzle, you’re getting the same benefits as if you meditated. The stress of everyday life evaporates and is replaced by a sense of peace and tranquility that lowers your blood pressure and heart rate.

“My partner and I are both in our 60s and having read about the benefits of jigsaws we recently purchased and completed a 1000 piece jigsaw and we can confirm the benefits are real.

“There is no doubt in our minds that in these difficult times there will be many elderly people who would benefit, enjoy the experience and revisit their youth when completing a jigsaw.

“I am therefore asking for anyone who has jigsaws that they no longer need or want, to donate them. In return I will undertake to collect the jigsaws and deliver them to people who feel they would benefit from such a service. I anticipate this will work in a similar manner to a book library, when on completion of one jigsaw this can then be swapped for another. This service will be totally free of charge, all I ask at this time is that the donated jigsaws are complete and are in the original box.”

Since launching the appeal on local Facebook page Ilkley Chat Simon has already received around 50 jigsaw puzzles.

Simon added: “To keep this initiative manageable I am restricting the area covered to Ilkley, Addingham and Ben Rhydding. A number of people have suggested that this service already exists with jigsaws being readily available in Libraries. I am not targeting people that want and are able to travel to a library. I am more concerned about the more vulnerable persons in the community that may be housebound, shielding or simply unable to get out in this present climate. I am currently in contact with Ilkley Dementia Friendly Action with a view to supplying them with some jigsaws but would also welcome any other suggestions to where this service may benefit the community.”

If you have a jigsaw puzzle to donate email at: simonjigsawpuzzle@gmail.com or phone 07532133133.