The People’s Friend calls for Close Knit Friends
Our sister title People’s Friend is partnering with charity Re-engage and Stagecoach to invite the nation’s knitters to spread some joy. Could you send in some knitting bunting to help decorate a yarn-bombed bus?
For many of us, lockdown has lifted and we’re adapting to a new normal, but a large proportion of the UK’s population will continue to be in isolation or face restrictions to daily life. The People’s Friend – in partnership with Re-engage, a charity that is committed to fighting loneliness, and Stagecoach, the UK’s biggest bus and coach operator – will travel the country in a colourful yarn-bombed bus in a bid to spread a message of love and cheer to the nation.
How can you help?
The magazine, which celebrated its 150-anniversary last year, is calling on the knitters of the UK to take part by sending in a triangle of knitted bunting. Every donation will be added to the bus design by expert crochet designer and urban knitter, Emma Leith before it sets off on tour, handing out magazines and other cheerful goodies, this September.
Those looking to get involved can download knitting or crochet pattern from The People’s Friend website. Knitted donations should be sent to People’s Friend, White Cottage, Devizes Road, Box, Wiltshire, SN13 8DY by September 12, 2020 to be included.
Non-knitters can show support, too!
For any non-knitters looking to show their support, the magazine is also raising funds for Re-engage’s new telephone befriending service, Call Companions, which was launched in response to Covid-19. It offers free, friendly, and regular calls to ensure that those most vulnerable to isolation due to COVID-19 remain connected to the outside world. To donate to Re-engage, please visit www.reengage.org.uk/donate.
Angela Gilchrist, Editorial Director of The People’s Friend, said,
In our 150-year history, 2020 has been one of the hardest, in particular having to stay away from family and friends. But The People’s Friend is always there to provide friendship in times of trouble.
“This year, we want to go the extra mile, literally, and thanks to Stagecoach, we will bring the fun and friendship found in the magazine to the streets of Britain, with our very own yarn-bombed bus.
“We’d be delighted if the public want to contribute, either by knitting a triangle of bunting which will be added to our bus, or with a donation to our wonderful charity partner Re-engage, which will support those who have been facing isolation even before the world went into lockdown.
“Life is better when shared with a Friend and we want to offer a hand of friendship and raise smiles across the UK.”
Where can you see the bus?
The People’s Friend Yarn-Bombed Bus will be on tour in September 2020. For the bunting pattern, tour updates and to nominate a street for the bus to visit, head to The People’s Friend website and social media channels, #CloseKnitFriends.
Allison Hay
I joined the "My Weekly" team thirteen years ago and, more recently, "The People's Friend". I love the variety of topics we cover both online and in the magazines. I manage the digital content for the brands, sharing features and information on the website, social media and in our digital newsletters.
