Big Swindon Knit Helps the Town’s Homeless

Volunteers got their knitting needles out to help Swindon’s homeless during a wellbeing event.

The Big Swindon Knit was organised by Swindon Borough Council’s Community Navigators and Swindon Circles of Support, and saw around 20 people meet at Eastcott Community Centre to knit and sew together knitted squares to make blankets for Swindon-based homeless charity Threshold.

Swindon Circles sets out to match local volunteers to isolated older people for companionship and the Big Knit was an opportunity for those involved to meet new people in a friendly environment.

Swindon Mayor Cllr Andrew Bennett took part in the Big Swindon Knit and was shown how to use knitting needles himself.

Community Researcher Paula Nunnery, who organised the event, said she was pleased with the turnout. She said: “We’ve already given Threshold 136 hats, blankets and scarves and the homeless people were thrilled, especially with the hats.

“This is the first time we have organised an event like this and it has been a great success. People have been busy knitting their own squares and we thought it would be great to bring everyone together to meet each other and to crochet the squares into blankets for Threshold.”

Marlene Matthews, 80, was delighted to give up her time to help with the project. “I’m very pleased to be able to help,” Marlene said. “I know the homeless people appreciate what we are doing and it is great to be able to meet new people and to do something nice for charity.”

Seventy-two-year-old Win Henry, was also only too pleased to take part in the Big Swindon Knit. She said: “We heard about the project through Paula and I started knitting in February. We have knitted lots of hats and the squares for the blankets. It is nice we can help the homeless charity doing something we enjoy.”

The Big Swindon Knit was also an opportunity for people involved in Circles of Support to enjoy music and light refreshments throughout the afternoon.

For more information about Circles of Support email: [email protected] or call 01793 465401. Alternatively visit: www.swindoncircles.org.uk