We have joined forces with Black Sheep Wools, Greater Manchester’s very own yarn institution, for our crafty festive campaign. As the nights are drawing in and the weather is getting colder, what better way to spend a cosy afternoon than creating some beautiful decorations for your home?
We have designs that range from the classic Christmas stockings and trees to something a little more #TeamGMMC, our very own umbrella logo. We want to see how many people we can get knitting or crocheting, how many charity decorations can we create?
We can’t wait to flood social media with your incredible attempts, but at the heart of this campaign is more than just some festive fun.
The winter months and festive period can be incredibly hard for people who find themselves at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. The mental toll carried can be significant, and the costs to personal and family wellbeing catastrophic.
So what we can do to help?
It may be a small step but for people struggling, whether with anxiety over their next unpaid bill or loneliness in their current situation, the health and well-being benefits of an hour or so spent mindfully crafting can be incredibly rewarding. We hope that anyone who gets involved in this campaign will be able to reap that reward, especially with the knowledge that this involvement can bring support to others struggling.
Every pattern downloaded and every kit purchased will help people who face a night on our streets, with all funds raised going to the pioneering scheme for people rough sleeping in Greater Manchester, A Bed Every Night.
And, as we flood social media with the images of your creations, we will raise awareness of the work of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity and the incredible partners we support.
How to get involved?
If you already have some yarn and needles at the ready, head to Black Sheep Wools to download the pattern of your choice. At just £2.00, they are an absolute bargain! You can even download the full bundle for only £9.00. If you want to see your £££’s go further, make a bigger donation of £30 knowing that just £30 covers a night of accommodation in the pioneering A Bed Every Night scheme.
No yarn going spare or embarking on a brand new challenge? Why not buy a kit! Available in three colour-ways, there will be a set to suit your festive theme.
Black Sheep Wools are generously donating the cost of the pattern (excluding VAT) and 10% of the cost of the yarn kit to Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, so every stitch you make really will make a difference this Christmas.
For anyone who needs some help finessing their yarn-based skills, don’t worry, help is on hand! Keep your eyes on our socials for details of workshops and drop-ins near you.
This is what our CEO, Fran Darlington-Pollock had to say about our new campaign:
“Black Sheep Wools are at the heart of a community of avid crafters not just in Greater Manchester, but extending across the North West and the UK! When inspiration struck for this festive campaign, they were our first choice to approach. Their enthusiasm and willingness to support has been incredible and we are all in love with the designs for the decorations, although our attempts are not quite as beautiful!
We know this campaign will not just raise funds to support A Bed Every Night, but get people talking about the charity, thinking about the importance of home, and perhaps even taking up a new hobby to wind down at the end of a hard week. We can’t wait to see what people come up with!”
Sara, Director at Black Sheep Wools also wanted to share her excitement;
“We were delighted to be asked to be involved with The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity this year. We’ve designed 5 bright and beautiful Christmas decorations, perfect to ‘deck the halls’!. The patterns are simple to make, there’s knit & crochet, and you can let your imagination go wild creating your own fun festive embellishments. We’re so pleased to support and make the donation to Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity’s A Bed Every Night initiative, supporting people experiencing homelessness. I’m sure you will agree with me that this is a fantastic cause to get behind at Christmas time!”
Knitting is a brilliant way to unwind, focus and centre yourself. The physical and mental benefits of focusing on the cathartic activity of crafting will reward us all. We think it’s perfect for a workplace activity, a family gathering or some evening entertainment. But however you want to do it, just don’t forget to Deck The Halls!
Visit Black Sheep Wools to get your patterns, kits and yarn today!
We want to see the good, the bad and the ugly. Once you have completed your design, in whatever shape or size that may be, be sure to tag us on socials (@GMMayorsCharity and @BlackSheepWools) and include #DeckTheHalls23.
Let’s get crafty and spread some love this Christmas, Greater Manchester.
#WeDontWalkOnBy