Published: Monday, 16th October 2023
Residents are being encouraged to get involved in a new community knitting project to help vulnerable residents during the winter months.
‘Cannock Chase Knits Together’ is a new initiative which will help ‘knit the community together’, by producing knitted items for those people struggling with the cost of living and rising household bills. It will also provide additional support to those that are most in need as well as bringing communities together to address isolation and loneliness.
Knitting packs have been created and are being distributed by community champions across the district to local community groups and those residents who are unable to leave their homes to access a local club. There will be two packs made available: a beginner’s pack and expert pack.
Residents are also being encouraged to join in from home, and as part of this will be able to access tutorials through the Cannock Chase Can App. These tutorials will be led by local knitting experts.
The Cannock Chase Can App is available to download for free via Google Play and the App Store.
Finished items can be dropped off at donation boxes located across the district including several local libraries. These boxes will allow people to donate wool and drop off finished items. The boxes will be emptied regularly and items will be distributed via community champions and services to those most in need this winter.
Louise Rose, Creative Development Officer at Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, said:
“‘Cannock Chase Knits Together’ is a great way to bring the community together and help vulnerable residents. Knitting is good for your health as it can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve focus, making it a valuable activity for mental wellbeing. It can also help with your fine motor skills. Anyone wanting to start a new hobby should give knitting a go. There’s lots of local groups or why not take on the Cannock Chase Can challenge and get started through an online tutorial”!
Councillor Jo Elson, Leader for Community Wellbeing at Cannock Chase Council, said: “The continued cost-of-living crisis has affected everyone especially the most vulnerable within our communities. This new initiative will be a great way of helping those that need our support as well as promoting ways people can get involved in their local community. If you would like to get involved, please get in touch with the team to find out more”.
The initiative is being delivered by Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles with the support of Cannock Chase Council thanks to funding received from the National Lottery Community Fund.
For more information about Cannock Chase Knits Together and a full list of drop off points visit www.creativechase.co.uk