Ready, Steady, Knit: Innocent Campaign To Craft A Better Future For Older People On Isle Of Wight

The much-loved Big Knit campaign is back for another yarn-spinning year, and Age UK Isle of Wight in partnership with innocent drinks is calling on knitters and crocheters across the Island to join the fun and help make a big difference to the lives of older people.

Since 2003, Age UK and innocent drinks have teamed up to inspire the nation’s crafters to knit little hats for smoothie bottles.

For every hat received and sent to innocent by Age UK Isle of Wight, 30p will be donated to the Island charity, ensuring that every penny stays within our local community.

To ensure that your contributions stay local, please send your hats directly to the local charity located in St Thomas Square, Newport, rather than the Age UK retail charity shops that are run by the national charity.

Nationally, the 2024-25 campaign aims to knit 1.4 million little hats, with the smoothies hitting shelves in October 2025.

Age UK Isle of Wight have set themselves the ambitious target of contributing 12,500 hats from our community.

The funds raised will help Age UK Isle of Wight continue to provide older people with vital companionship and support.

These little hats truly make a big difference.

Charlotte Wright, Brand Manager at innocent drinks UK, said:

“The Big Knit is an amazing campaign that gets people knitting, crocheting, and buying little hats on smoothies for a cause that truly matters.

"We are so excited that the Big Knit is back, and we will be continuing our long-standing partnership with Age UK nationally and locally to help support older people as much as possible.”

Crafters have until July 1 to send their hats, so there’s plenty of time to get involved.

There are exciting hat designs, from monkeys to unicorns, as well as more simple patterns depending on your experience level.

These designs can be found on Age UK Isle of Wight’s website – or if you’re offline give them a call at 525282.

For more information on The Big Knit, contact Age UK Isle of Wight.

Send completed hats along with your contact details to Age UK Isle of Wight at: 17 St Thomas Square, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1SL.