Hand-knitted blankets to help new mums

Charity Link and ‘Knit for Community’ have joined forces to provide 30 blankets for mums and families struggling to meet the financial and practical burden of looking after a new baby.

Representatives from Leicester-based charity Charity Link and The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters delivered the hand-knitted blankets to Baby Basics, a volunteer-led charity supporting new mums and families based on Narborough Road in Leicester.

The blankets were knitted by volunteers across the UK who have supported The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters ‘Knit for Community’ initiative.  This was launched in April 2020 to encourage enthusiasts to keep knitting during the pandemic. Volunteers have now knitted over 40,000 squares to produce over 800 blankets and lap blankets for those in need. Baby Basics will distribute the blankets to new mums in need who are referred to the charity in the coming weeks.

Leicester resident Tony Jarvis, a member of The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters, says: “We are delighted with the success of Knit for Community which has provided a much-needed positive focus for hundreds of people during lockdown. It was an honour to provide these blankets to Baby Basics and hope they will make a difference to the new mums receiving them.”

Rachel Walsh, Operations Manager at Charity Link says: “Due to the continued impact of the pandemic and food and utility price rises, many families are facing a very difficult winter and the extra pressures on new families can be immense. At Charity Link we know just how much the provision of essential items can lessen the burden and we are delighted to join forces with Knit for Community to deliver these special blankets.”

Liz Coopey, a volunteer at Baby Basics says: “We are extremely grateful to everyone involved in providing these stunning blankets and are sure that the struggling new mums receiving one will gain comfort knowing that they have been knitted with love by so many people out in the community.”

For more information on The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters visit www.frameworkknitters.co.uk  

For more information on Baby Basics visit www.babybasicsleicester.co.uk