Ready Steady Knit: the innocent Big Knit is back for Age UK Northamptonshire

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

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 fund Age UK Northamptonshire’s Information & Advice Service to assist older people to claim benefits that they could be entitled to.

This Big Knit campaign ensures that Age UK Northamptonshire, can be there for older people.  Last year our Information & Advice Service brought in just under £3 million pounds in unclaimed benefits that people were not aware they were entitled to.  This can make a huge difference with their mental health as it allows them to maybe use this extra money on things that they could not afford before, such as a gardener, cleaner or perhaps join one of our three day centres located in Northampton, Towcester or Kettering.  These little hats truly make a big difference.

Chris Duff, Chief Executive of Age UK Age UK Northamptonshire said: “We’re calling on the people of Northamptonshire 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 20,000 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!

For more information on The Big Knit contact Jo Bird, Age UK Northamptonshire on 01604 213086 or visit   https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire/get-involved/fundraising/big-knit-2024/.  Please send completed hats to Jo Bird, Age UK Northamptonshire, The William and Patricia Venton Centre, York Road, Northampton NN1 5QJ, or you can drop them off at your local Age UK Northamptonshire charity shop.