Ready Steady Knit 2024

The much-loved innocent Big Knit campaign is back for another yarn-spinning year, and Age UK Croydon, in partnership with innocent drinks is calling on all knitters and crocheters in Croydon to join the fun and help make a big difference to the lives of older people, while being part of this infamous campaign.

Since 2003, Age UK and innocent have teamed up to inspire the nation's crafters to knit little hats for innocent smoothie bottles. The campaign has raised an incredible £3.2 million for Age UK since it began. For every behatted smoothie sold, Age UK receives 30p, helping to provide crucial support to older people both nationally and locally. The 2024-25 campaign aims to knit 1.4 million little hats, with the smoothies hitting shelves in October 2025.

So why not grab your knitting needles, start stitching, and make a real difference? The funds raised will help Age UK continue to provide older people with vital information, advice, and friendship. The funds will also help our current efforts to reach more older people in our community.

This Big Knit campaign ensures that Age UK Croydon can be there for people like Miss P, who takes part in weekly health checks. Where we monitor her blood pressure and BMI, which are continually lowering, getting nearer to the ideal range for Miss P’s age and height. These little hats truly make a big difference.

Sanjay Gulati, Chief Executive Officer of Age UK Croydon said: “We’re calling on the people of Croydon to dust off their knitting needles and help us make this the best year yet of our partnership with Innocent. Let’s cast on and knit up a storm to hit our 100 target.”

Charlotte Wright, Brand Manager at innocent drinks UK, said: "The Big Knit is an amazing campaign that gets people throughout the country knitting, crocheting and buying little hats on smoothies for a cause that truly matters. We are so excited that the Big Knit is back, and we will be continuing our long-standing partnership with Age UK to help support older people as much as possible.

Let’s get those needles clicking and create a real yarn to remember! Crafters have until 1st July 2025 to send in their hats, so there's plenty of time to get involved.

There are exciting hat designs, including a cheeky monkey, fox cub, sheepish sheep and a unicorn, available to download now, but feel free to come up with designs of your own as we love seeing your creations!

To find out more visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/bigknit or www.thebigknit.co.uk/knittingpatterns

For more information on The Big Knit contact Age UK Croydon on 020 8686 0066 or visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/croydon/get-involved/the-big-knit/

Please send or pop in to drop completed hats to Age UK Croydon at 81 Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 7JH.