Caring crocheter Catherine helps charity's campaign

Iain Cloke (operations manager – EngAge partnerships and projects), Catherine Holland and Kym Gleeson (wellbeing coordinator)

A CHARITY is appealing for donations of wool as part of a campaign to provide blankets to keep older people warm this winter.

Age UK Rotherham is calling for the donations after being inspired by the kindness of a local supporter.

Catherine Holland saw an Age UK advert about the difficulties facing many older people this winter and was so moved by the situation that she contacted the charity and offered to crochet blankets.

She said: “I have always loved to crochet – it’s a great activity to support my mental health and I wanted a purpose for doing it.

“I know a warm blanket doesn’t solve the problem, but it might help those in need, and it gives me a reason to do something I love.”

After an appeal for wool donations on social media, other crafters came forward offering to knit and crochet blankets, leading to the creation of the charity's campaign.

Each blanket will be given as part of a pack containing information about how to get extra help this winter.

Chief executive officer Barbara Dinsdale said: “The charity is expecting the cost of living crisis to have a heavy impact on the older residents of Rotherham this winter and is making plans to help as many people as possible.

“A warm blanket isn’t a solution, but it will be offered with a whole range of information and advice about maximising household income including accessing additional entitlements not already claimed.

“So many people are managing on a tight budget and with the steep increase in food, energy, transport and many other household costs, it could be a choice between heating and eating for some this winter.”

Age UK Rotherham helps more than 10,000 older people each year, with demand expected to rise as the weather gets colder.

Parkgate Shopping Centre is collecting wool and blanket donations at the Families First Charity location on Monday and Fridays between 9.30am and 11.30am.

For more information about where to drop off donations contact [email protected] or call 07568 396 113.

Donations can also be dropped off at Age UK Rotherham's Furniture Warehouse on Fitzwilliam Road, Tuesday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.

For more information contact [email protected] or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/rotherham/.