Join us knitting baby bonnets

Community Integrated Care are inviting Rugby League fans with a passion for crafting to take part in a special new Rugby League World Cup 2021 inspired project – knitting bonnets for babies who are born prematurely.

We have launched a unique new programme, which will see hundreds of Rugby League World Cup 2021 themed bonnets knitted and donated to specialist NHS hospitals within tournament communities.

The project is being led by volunteers participating in our ground-breaking inclusive volunteering partnership with the Rugby League World Cup 2021, which enables people who have care and support needs to take part in exciting and fulfilling volunteering projects.

Hundreds of crafters within our charity, including the people who we support, have chosen to come together and use their knitting talents to support families of babies that are born prematurely – and we are inviting members of the rugby league community to join us in this important challenge!

Get involved and download the toolkit here.

Often, when babies are born prematurely, parents aren’t fully prepared for the arrival. In the UK, one in thirteen babies are born preterm, affecting 60,000 families every year. Specially designed bonnets provide warmth, protection and cushioning for babies that require extra care and attention.

It is hoped that by providing these important items to families for free, the volunteers can take one concern away from families during what may be one of the most challenging moments of their life.

We are inviting anyone who wishes to support the project to join in – with no limit on the number of bonnets that an individual or group can create. We have developed a free toolkit, including guidance on how to get involved and knitting patterns to follow, which can be downloaded here.

We are asking participants to send their creations to us by the 1st October 2021. Knitters are also encouraged to also write a message to the recipients of their bonnets, to let families know that thoughts are with them. The items will then be delivered to NHS hospitals in advance of the tournament by members of the RLWC2021 Inclusive Volunteering Programme.

All of the key information on the donation process can be found within the toolkit.

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, said:

“It has been wonderful to see so many people within our charity, of all ages and backgrounds, all offer to share their knitting skills to such an important cause. We hope that others within the rugby league community can join them too. If you have a talent for craft or are part of a knitting group, please join our volunteers in making a real difference to babies and new parents.”