Calling all clever crocheters and nimble-fingered knitters in support of Sheffield’s isolated older neighbour’s

26th September 2022

Sheffield’s leading older people’s charity, Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) has launched a winter blanket campaign encouraging people to create and donate hand-crafted blankets to help keep our most vulnerable older people protected

Sheffield’s leading older people’s charity, Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) has launched a winter blanket campaign encouraging people to create and donate hand-crafted blankets to help keep our most vulnerable older people protected this winter.  

Many isolated older people, whose only company is the TV are exposed to constant warnings from the media regarding the major increases in energy bills this winter. Consequently, many will become fearful of even switching their heating on at all. 
SCCCC has set out to help older people stay warm, healthy, and comfortable this December, recognising that older people suffer some of the harsher impacts of the colder weather. This can include an increased risk of respiratory issues which can lead to illness, hospitalisation or even death. 

Campaign manager Ericka Hill said: “We were donated some beautiful crochet blankets from Nottingham-based charity, Sharewear which gave us the idea. We thought they were so beautiful and put a smile on our faces. By giving these donated blankets as Christmas gifts to our service users we know they will not only make them smile but keep them warm too. 
It is important to focus on warming up yourself, rather than the house. This is why SCCCC has launched our Make A Winter Blanket campaign, to help older people take the extra measure of keeping warm, using blankets and extra clothing as the first line of defence against the cold.”

SCCCC is encouraging people to get involved in creating either full blankets or crochet squares to be pieced together so that they can be donated to their service users this December. 

Supporter, Janet Fletcher, has been busy creating a blanket for the campaign. She said:

"I saw the appeal on Facebook and wanted to try to help people who will suffer this winter with the cold, due to high energy prices. I was very happy to get involved and hope others can help to support our vulnerable communities.”  

This winter it’s more important than ever to help keep older people warm, healthy, and comfortable, and that is why SCCCC have launched their campaign to give older people in the community an extra special Christmas present this year.

If you would like to know more or get involved with the campaign please visit their website: https://scccc.co.uk/volunteer/christmas-campaign-2022-knit-a-winter-blanket