Contribute to Winter Woollies 2024

Get Involved!

For more information about Winter Woollies, get in touch E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or T. 028 9034 0160 

• Donate to Winter Woollies 2024

  You can donate handmade warm items to Winter Woollies 2024 from 16 September to 14 November 2024. Donation bins will be available at Mossley Mill and Antrim Civic Centre and contact slips will be on hand for you to fill in your name and details so that your donations can be included in the Mayor’s Selection - your donations will remain anonymous to any recipients. If you have any questions, contact Environmental Health on T. 028 9034 0160.

• Join a knitting / crocheting group

  Friends who knit together, stay together!

  Friends who knit together, stay together!

   

  There are many groups around Antrim and Newtownabbey where you can learn to knit or crochet, make new friends and make a contribution to your community. Visit Libraries NI’s website to find your closest Knit and Natter group.

  Find your closest Knit and Natter Group

• Start a knitting / crochet group

  You can also start your own knitting/crocheting group, either from your home, at your local community centre, or at your place of work to improve employee wellbeing and add social value to your output. 

  Tips for starting a knitting/crochet group

  Starting a knitting/crocheting group is a good way to engage with the Take 5 Ways to Wellbeing model, allowing you to Connect, Keep Learning, Give, Take Notice, and Be Active all at once! Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Connect:
     By starting a knitting/crocheting group, you are creating a space for social interaction. Whether you want to keep your group small with you and one or two friends, or you are interested in opening it up to the public, you are creating valuable connections and helping to combat loneliness. Pick a fun name or a unifying theme for your group that inspires you!
      
  2. Keep Learning:
     Getting together with others to hone your craft is a great way to keep your mind sharp. A knitting/crochet group is a great way to skill-swap or learn new stitches and patterns!
      
  3. Give:
     Teamwork makes the dream work! Aside from Winter Woollies, many organisations can benefit from your makes. Your group could identify a charity or organisation that needs items and you can sharpen your skills by making items as donations.
      
  4. Take Notice:
     It is still possible to make room for mindfulness in a group setting. Set an intention for each meeting, take the time to reflect on what you are creating and why, or make use of the rhythmic nature of knitting/crocheting to meditate.
      
  5. Be Active:
     You may not think so, but knitting and crocheting are physical activities! These skills can improve cognitive function, dexterity, muscle strength and flexibility, which is especially helpful for older people. You could also host your group at a location that members can meet up and walk to together, for even more health benefits. 
• Send a message of hope and kindness

  Winter is about sharing kindness and positivity, as much as it is about donating knitted or crocheted warm items. 

  If you have a message of hope that you would like to share with someone who will receive a warm item, please type it in the box below. You can include your name or be anonymous, and your message will be attached to a donated item. Our partner organisations work with newborns, young children, young people who are living in care, families who are experiencing homelessness, individuals with different needs, and older people from a range of backgrounds.

  Get involved with your school, community group or your family to send messages of hope, kindness and positivity and share the warmth this winter!

  Send a message

  Your name / school / community group:	(Optional)
  Contact details:	(Optional)
  Your message (max 150 words):
  Security code: