Homeless charity aims to create 150 blankets

A charity that supports people experiencing homelessness are looking for volunteers to help sew knitted squares into blankets.

Swindon Big Knit has put out the appeal as part of its plan to make 150 blankets to distribute across the town.

The group has produced hundreds of blankets since it started seven years ago and donated them to people sleeping on the streets, along with hats and food.

"With so many wonderful people knitting and crocheting for us, we're now at the point where we urgently need more hands to help with the sewing," says Tracey Major, who runs Swindon Big Knit.

"You don't need to be an expert; just someone who enjoys stitching pieces together and wants to make a real difference," she added,

"Every blanket we finish brings warmth, comfort, and hope to someone who truly needs it."

One of the current volunteers said: "There are probably many knitters like me, sitting at home knitting on their own, who would welcome some like-minded company for a few hours and to help out for a good cause."

This year the project is hoping to beat its previous targets and create150 blankets, with all the knitting being done by just two volunteers until recently.

The team now have 40 dedicated knitters and crocheters creating squares at meetups at Haydon Wick Parish Council and Moredon Sporting Hub.

Swindon Big Knit is funded through grants and community support.

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