A social care charity has invited rugby fans across Preston to knit bonnets for premature babies.

Preston is a host venue for the Rugby League World Cup 2021, so rugby fans with a passion for crafting are invited to join the new project.

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The national social care charity Community Integrated Care has launched a new programme, which will see hundreds of RLWC2021 themed bonnets knitted and donated to specialist NHS hospitals in tournament communities.

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John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, said: “We hope that many crafters in Preston can join us in sharing their knitting skills for such an important cause.

“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.

“Rugby league is known as a family sport. We also know that the people of Preston are so committed to their local community, so we hope this project will see many people come together to make a real difference.”

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

The group hopes that by providing the items for free, they can remove one concern during what may be one of the most challenging moments of a family’s life. 

Led by volunteers participating in the charity’s inclusive volunteering partnership with the Rugby League World Cup 2021, the group enables residents to join projects that fulfil their talents and potential.

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Hundreds of crafters within the charity, including people who have support needs such as learning disabilities, autism, mental health concerns and dementia, have united to use their knitting talents to support families.       

The charity is 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.

To download a free toolkit with guidance and knitting patterns, visit – www.communityintegratedcare.co.uk/knit 

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