We’re pleased to be supporting Age UK Solihull’s Big Knit campaign at Blossomfield Rose, where residents and members of the local community are coming together each week to knit miniature hats and raise funds for older people across the borough.
Blossomfield Rose has become the official host of Age UK Solihull’s weekly Big Knit Meet Up, with local knitters joining residents and their families for regular sessions at the home.
Age UK Solihull is aiming to collect 15,000 hats as part of the campaign, which could raise £4,500 for its work supporting older people in the local community.
Bringing residents and local knitters together
The Big Knit is a partnership between Age UK and innocent drinks, with miniature knitted hats placed on smoothie bottles. A donation is made to Age UK for every hat sold.
At Blossomfield Rose, the campaign has already brought together 10 local knitters and three residents, with the weekly sessions open to anyone in the community who would like to take part.
The group offers residents the opportunity to continue a familiar hobby while meeting new people and contributing to a wider community initiative.
Among those taking part is resident Margaret, who has enjoyed knitting throughout her life and regularly uses her skills to support charitable causes.
Margaret often creates handmade items for Blossomfield Rose’s annual Christmas market and last year raised more than £300 for a local hospice.
She has now turned her attention to the Big Knit and has already completed 20 hats towards Age UK Solihull’s target.
Zoe Doherty, Customer Relations Manager at Blossomfield Rose, said: “It’s wonderful to see our residents sharing something they love with members of the local community, particularly when it’s helping to support such a worthwhile cause.
“Margaret is a great example of how much these activities mean to our residents. Knitting has been a huge part of her life and she’s already raised hundreds of pounds for charity through her handmade creations, so it’s lovely that she can continue putting her skills to good use.”
Supporting a longstanding local partnership
Our involvement in the Big Knit builds on Blossomfield Rose’s existing relationship with Age UK Solihull.
The home has previously supported the charity through fundraising quiz nights and seasonal events, while Age UK Solihull is also a regular presence at our annual Christmas market.
Hosting the weekly Big Knit Meet Up gives us another opportunity to strengthen that relationship while creating a regular activity that residents and members of the local community can enjoy together.
Rebecca Jacob, Fundraising Manager at Age UK Solihull, said: “We’re thrilled that the Big Knit has returned, and we are so grateful to everyone who gets involved by knitting little hats, helping Age UK Solihull reach our 15,000-hat target.
“We’re also delighted to have Blossomfield Rose on board as the official host of our Big Knit Meet Up. The group is a lovely way for residents and local people to come together over a shared interest while raising vital funds to support older people in Solihull.”
Continuing meaningful interests
At Macc Care, we aim to support residents to continue with the hobbies and interests that are important to them.
Activities such as knitting can offer residents the chance to use familiar skills, spend time with others and take part in something with a clear purpose.
For residents like Margaret, the Big Knit provides an opportunity to continue an interest she has enjoyed for many years while contributing to a cause that supports other older people in the local community.
The sessions also help create stronger links between Blossomfield Rose and the wider Solihull community, with local people invited into the home to take part alongside residents.
How to get involved
The Big Knit Meet Up takes place every Thursday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at Blossomfield Rose on Blossomfield Road, Solihull.
Sessions are free to attend, with hot drinks provided and knitting and crochet patterns available for a range of abilities.
Blossomfield Rose is also one of Age UK Solihull’s local drop-off points, so anyone who prefers to knit at home can bring completed hats to the home to contribute to the campaign.
The latest Big Knit campaign runs from 2026 to 2028 and aims to produce 1.5 million hats across the country.
Find out more
To find out more about Blossomfield Rose, visit:
https://macccare.com/our-homes/blossomfield-rose/
For more information about Age UK Solihull’s Big Knit, including patterns and ways to get involved, visit:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/solihull/big-knit/
