Get Ready for Knitting Together: Making Connections, One Stitch At A Time

by | 3rd June 2026 | Community Impact, News & Announcements

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Four knitted puppets are held in a hand, arranged side by side on a denim surface.

🥰 From 15–21 June, people across the UK will come together to mark Loneliness Awareness Week, an annual campaign led by Marmalade Trust that encourages us to talk openly about loneliness and celebrate the power of meaningful connections.

Ahead of this year’s campaign, we’re delighted to shine a spotlight on Knitting Together, a creative community initiative led by the Impact Alliance and Marmalade Trust that is helping bring people together through the simple act of making.

At the heart of the project is a powerful idea: creating a chain of knitted and crocheted people that symbolises the connections that help us feel seen, valued and part of our communities. Through hundreds of handmade figures contributed by people across Bristol and beyond, the project will create a visual reminder that nobody should feel alone.

🧶 Knitting Together https://www.knittingtogether.community/

Save the Date: Community Event on 15 June

To mark the start of Loneliness Awareness Week, a special community knitting and crochet event will take place on 15 June, bringing people together to create figures for the installation and celebrate the importance of connection.

Whether you’re an experienced crafter or have never picked up a knitting needle before, everyone is welcome. The focus is on conversation, creativity and community, creating opportunities for people to meet others, share stories and make new connections.

Projects like this demonstrate how simple, shared activities can help break down barriers, foster belonging and remind us that small acts of connection can make a big difference.

🫶 All welcome – no booking required: Tobacco Factory, Bristol – Monday 15th June – Knitting Together

Time: 1pm – 5pm, Monday 15th June

Place: The Tobacco Factory Café Bar, Raleigh Rd Bristol BS3 1TF

What to expect: Informal drop-in with Anne, Laura, Elke and Helena – and anyone else stopping by for company, crafting, and the chance to chat about loneliness.

💜 Other Ways to Get Involved

Even if you can’t attend the event on 15 June, there are plenty of ways to support the campaign and get involved:

🧶 Knit or crochet a figure at home and contribute it to the growing installation.

🤝 Encourage friends, family, colleagues and neighbours to take part.

📱 Share the campaign through your networks and on social media.

💛 Start conversations about loneliness and the importance of meaningful connection.

🎉 Take part in activities and events happening during Loneliness Awareness Week.

Every contribution, conversation and connection helps raise awareness of an issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

Get Connected at Bristol Charities

Loneliness Awareness Week is a reminder that connection starts with taking that first step. Across Bristol Charities, we’re creating opportunities every week for people to come together, build friendships and feel part of their local community.

Whether you’re looking to meet new people, enjoy a shared activity, learn something new or simply spend time in a welcoming environment, there’s something for everyone at our community hubs.

Discover What’s On

Vassall Community Hub

With 20+ regular activities and groups each month, Vassall Community Hub offers opportunities to connect through creative sessions, wellbeing activities, community events and social gatherings.

👉 View upcoming activities at Community Notice Board | Vassall Hub

Stockwood Community Hub

From coffee mornings and community lunches to exercise classes and special events, Stockwood is a welcoming space where local people can make new connections and get involved in community life.

👉 View upcoming activities Community Notice Board | Stockwood Hub

Take the First Step

As we prepare for Loneliness Awareness Week, why not challenge yourself to try something new? Attend a local event, join a group, volunteer your time or simply stop by for a chat.

Every new connection starts somewhere.

Explore what’s happening at our hubs and find an activity that’s right for you:

🔗 Vassall Community Hub: [email protected]

🔗 Stockwood Community Hub: [email protected]

Find out more about Loneliness Awareness Week here www.lonelinessawarenessweek.org and the work of the West of England Impact Alliance www.impact-alliance.org.uk

Together, we can build stronger, more connected communities where everyone feels welcome, valued and supported.

#LonelinessAwarenessWeek #Connections #Community #Bristol #StockwoodTogether #VassallHub #VassallCentre

Author: Sophie Jerrold

Author: Sophie Jerrold

Sophie has a proven track record in neuroscience research, the arts, and social change sectors. With a 20-year career in the VCSE sector, she has driven sustainable growth, fostered impactful collaborations, and built strong partnerships. Communicating impact and purpose has been central to ensuring initiatives create meaningful, lasting change.

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