The Big Knit 2019, one month to go!

One month to go, can Manchester help smash the Big Knit target for Age UK Manchester?

Age UK Manchester has been knitting and purling like never before over the past few months and thanks to the wonderful knitters of Manchester, Age UK is just a few stitches away from hitting the 1.6m hat target for this year’s Big Knit.

Age UK Manchester and innocent need everybody to pick up their knitting needles one last time this month for a final chance to donate miniature hats to the campaign. Knitters then need to make sure their hats have been dropped off at Age UK Manchester by 31st July. The miniature hats will then make their way to stores across the country and be paired with innocent smoothie bottles. For each be-hatted drink sold*, Age UK receives 25p, and that money helps the Charity support older people who are facing later life alone.

Sally Dervan, Deputy Chief Executive of Age UK Manchester, said: “We’re so pleased with how much support this year’s Big Knit has received. Manchester has really taken on the new pattern challenge too – we’ve seen plenty of unicorns, dinosaurs and lions coming through which is brilliant!

“We’re asking everybody who wants to join in the fun before the campaign ends and help make a difference to the lives of older people in Manchester to pick up your needles for one final knit. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a dab hand and can knock a miniature hat up in ten minutes or whether you’ve never knitted a row in your life, we want everybody to get behind the Big Knit and help us smash this incredible target. Come on Manchester we’re counting on you!”

The money raised will make a big difference to the lives of older people by helping to fund Age UK Manchester’s services. These services, which include advice, counselling, care provision and Ageing Well activities, give local older people the chance to come along and make friends, learn new skills and most importantly have fun.

Sim Viney, innocent drinks, said: “We have had such great support for the Big Knit ever since it began back in 2003, and we are positive that people of Manchester will help to hit this year’s target.  Even if you’ve never knitted a stitch, creating a little hat is a great way to start. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who knits a hat and helps make the Big Knit a huge success.”

To drop off your knitted miniature hats, pop into Age UK Manchester at Crossacres Care Centre, Wythenshawe. For more information on The Big Knit contact Age UK Manchester on 0161 498 8266.