Antrim and Newtownabbey: 3,000 knitted items distributed to vulnerable residents in the community
Three thousand knitted items were distributed to 30 community groups across Antrim and Newtownabbey through the borough council’s ‘Winter Woollies Campaign’ for use by vulnerable residents.
The annual ‘Winter Woollies Campaign’, organised by the council’s environmental health department, encourages residents to knit and crochet warm clothing for vulnerable members of the community, a report to the council’s Operations Committee, which meets at Antrim Civic Centre, on Monday evening (January 5), states.
The report notes the number of donations has doubled this year and an additional eight community partners were involved this year.
The initiative provides hand-knitted and crocheted items supplied by volunteers to give warmth during the winter months. In addition, it prevented 2,700 balls of wool, knitting needles and crochet hooks from reaching landfill.
Councillors will also be also told the donation of ‘trauma teddies’,hand-made teddy bears used to comfort children affected by traumatic events, was encouraged.
Emergency service providers such as the PSNI, Fire and Rescue Service and hospitals use these teddies to provide comfort and distraction to children experiencing upsetting events.
Separately at the same meeting, councillors will be given a presentation from the environmental health and well-being team outlining activities delivered to highlight key council projects delivered to support residents’ health and well-being.
The presentation will reflect the team’s work in supporting residents across a range of areas, including ‘age-friendly’ initiatives, energy efficiency, home accident prevention and nutrition.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter