The Big Knit 2021

The innocent Big Knit campaign has returned and Age UK Lindsey is calling on the knitters and crocheters of East Lindsey, West Lindsey and North Lincolnshire to get their knitting needles out to help raise urgent funds for older people most in need. 

This is the 18th year that innocent has been running the Big Knit in partnership with Age UK and woolly warriors are needed again this year to craft some little hats to sit on innocent smoothie bottles. For each be-hatted smoothie sold, Age UK receives 25p, which will help the Charity make a big difference to the lives of older people. 

With many of us spending lots of time at home at the moment it’s a great opportunity for stitching superstars to get crafting, or for knitting newbies to grab some needles and give it a whirl. The pandemic has had a huge impact on older people over the past year so Age UK is in need of these little hats more than ever to help raise funds for its vital services.  

Andy Storer, Chief Officer of Age UK Lindsey said: “We need the people of Lindsey and North Lincolnshire to join us and help knit as many miniature hats as possible to help us hit our 17,500 target. It’s been a challenging time for everyone, but this is a really fun campaign to get involved in and it’s a great activity to do whilst we’re all spending more time at home.  

“The money raised from these little hats will make a big difference to the lives of older people in our area, many of whom have been badly affected by the pandemic. Every hat knitted will help to fund our hugely important services, including our Information and Advice and Befriending services.” 

Local supporter Claire has knitted more than 15 so far this year – two of which she currently has on the top of her hand sanister bottles at her office at FH Manning Financial Services in Horncastle. You can also see them in the office’s main window. 

Claire was taught to knit by her mum when she was a young girl and has since passed the hobby on to both her son and daughter. 

“I resurrected my love of knitting when I found out I could do it for this really good reason. It is simple, and quick and you get such a lot of enjoyment out of creating the little hats, and raising money for a great cause,” said Claire. 

Katie Simpson, Head of Brand at innocent drinks, said: "We’re delighted to be working with Age UK on the Big Knit once again. After a hard year, we want to make this campaign as big as possible so we can help more older people than ever. We’re incredibly grateful to all the heroic volunteers helping us get there” 

Check out our website for more information on The Big Knit or call 01507 524242. Please send completed hats to Age UK Lindsey at The Old School House, Manor House Street, Horncastle LN9 5HF. Or drop them off at any of our shops during opening hours. 

There are six exciting new hat designs for this year, including a rainbow, rabbit, cupcake, pom pom, fox and bird. These knitting and crochet patterns are available to download, to find out more visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/lindsey/get-involved/fundraising/the-big-knit  or www.thebigknit.co.uk. Patterns will also be available to collect from Age UK Lindsey shops.