Rotherham 'knitting ninjas' asked to make big difference to the lives of older people
Age UK Rotherham has joined the national charity's popular campaign in partnership with innocent drinks
Knitting needles at the ready – the Big Knit campaign from Innocent Drinks has returned, and Age UK Rotherham is calling on knitting ninjas throughout the borough to wield their needles and help make a big difference to the lives of older people.
The popular campaign sees the nation’s crafters come together to knit little hats for Innocent smoothie bottles sold in supermarkets, shops and other outlets.
For every be-hatted smoothie sold, Age UK receives 30p, providing support to older people both nationally and locally to help them live well.
The funds raised locally will help Age UK Rotherham continue to provide older people with vital information, advice, and friendship, as the proceeds from all hats knitted in the Rotherham area will be used to support older people in the borough.
Since it began in 2003, the Big Knit campaign has raised £3.6 million for Age UK nationally.
The 2026-28 campaign aims to knit 1.5 million little hats, with the smoothies hitting shelves in early 2028.
Denise Caldecott, business operations manager at Age UK Rotherham - based at Galax Buildings on the Eastwood Trading Estate - said: “In the last campaign we received 500 knitted hats, raising £162 to help older people in our local area.
“We want to double that this time, so we’re calling on the people of Rotherham to get their needles clicking and help us make this the best Big Knit yet.
“With winter on the way, older people are particularly vulnerable at this time of year, and they need us more than ever.
“Helping to knit these little hats can make a big difference to older people in our community.”
Sarah De La Mare, head of marketing lead UK&I at Innocent Drinks, said: "The Big Knit is an amazing campaign that inspires people throughout the country to knit and crochet little hats, and gives shoppers a simple way to support 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 to help older people live well."
Crafters have until October 1 2027 to send in their hats.
For those looking for some inspiration, there are dozens of knitting patterns to choose from on the Innocent Drinks' website: https://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/big-knit including patterns for fruit and veg inspired creations such as an aubergine, a carrot and peas in a pod.
For more information on the Big Knit or to find out where to send your knitted creations, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/rotherham/activities-and-events/the-big-knit-2026/ or contact Age UK Rotherham on 01709 835214.