The Big Knit is back

COVID 19 Update (dated 8th June 2020) Please keep knitting for us but ‘hold onto your hats’ for now. We will be updating this page shortly.

Big Knit bottles are now on sale in North Tyneside helping to raise money for Age UK North Tyneside

Next time you pop to the supermarket keep an eye out for innocent’s limited edition be-hatted bottles, on sale throughout November as part of the Big Knit campaign, now in its 16^th year. Each of the special bottles carries a 25p donation to Age UK to help the Charity continue to be there for older people in North Tyneside who have no one else to turn to.

Over the past year the people of North Tyneside have been knitting and purling like never before and have helped Age UK knit 1.5 million miniature hats for the latest Big Knit campaign.

Dawn McNally, Chief Officer of Age UK North Tyneside said: “We’re so pleased with how much support the Big Knit has received over the years – we look forward to seeing the latest hat creations our devoted knitters in North Tyneside make for us each year and we are excited to see them on sale!

“We want to thank everyone who has knitted a hat or bought a Big Knit smoothie to support the Big Knit. The campaign helps us to make a difference to the lives of older people in North Tyneside.

Money raised from the be-hatted bottles will help to fund essential services that tackle loneliness and isolation and bring older people together in their communities, such as Cuppa Clubs, Knit and Natter social groups, reading circles, meals out with friends, dancing and men’s social groups which give older people the chance to come along and make friends, learn new skills and most importantly have fun.”

Emilie Stephenson, Head of Brand at innocent drinks, said: “Every year we’re overwhelmed by the number of hats which come through our doors and it’s brilliant to see the unique hats that are sent our way.

“We would love to thank everyone in North Tyneside who supports the Big Knit from the knitters to smoothie drinkers. It’s great to take a moment and truly celebrate the intricacy and creativity of the hats. A hats off to all the  knitters.”

How you can get involved
Whether you’re new to casting on or already know your garter from your stocking stitch, it's easy to get started. You’ll also be part of the huge knitting team helping us to reach such a monumental target for a great cause.

1. Be prepared.
Get yourself some needles, wool and your favourite chair (train carriages and cafes also work well) and get knitting!

2. Send us your hats - when it's safe to do so
Many of you have been keeping busy during the Coronavirus lockdown by knitting your lovely hats for us, but to ensure everyone stays safe, please can you 'hold onto your hats' for now and we'll update this page when we have more information.

3. Sharing is caring
Show everyone how great your hats are by posting pictures of them online using #BigKnit

What happens next?
Look out for the hats on smoothie bottles in shops in October 2020.

For more information about Age UK North Tyneside’s services, or how to get involved with the Big Knit call 0191 2877012