A LADY from Launceston is holding a charity knit and crochet day today (Thursday), in order to support homeless people this winter.

Lorna Cartwright, from Launceston, is hosting her own ‘charity knit-in’ event, creating scarves and hats to be sent to the charity St Petroc’s Society, which will be included in goody bags to be distributed to the homeless across Cornwall.

Lorna said: “I held an event like this in the summer, which went well, but it was a bit of a ‘buy this, buy that’ sort of event. This time round, I want to give people the chance to come along, not have to spend any money, but help a good cause.”

The idea to host such an event came about as Lorna began to realise the growing numbers of rough sleepers located across Cornwall, and even closer to home in Launceston.

She said: “There have been rough sleepers in Launceston, I know there have been homeless people here. It’s a growing thing in society. I know we’re not in a big city, but it’s still very relevant in smaller towns like Launceston.”

The event will be a chance for everyone in the community to come along and get together, have fun crocheting and knitting, and contribute to a good cause this winter. “It’s just about getting like-minded people together to do something good,” Lorna continued. The main aim will be to create a number of knitted and crocheted hats and scarves, which will then be included in St Petroc’s goody bags for homeless people, helping to provide them with things to keep them going through the cold months.

“It (homelessness) is happening. In Cornwall, we have got bigger areas like Truro, perhaps with a bigger homeless population there, but it does happen in the smaller rural areas too,” Lorna said.

The charity knit-in will take place from 10am until 2.30pm at the Queen’s Theatre School, Pennygillam Industrial Estate in Launceston, who have given the venue to Lorna for free. Wool has been donated for the event, but people are welcome to bring their own wool and equipment too.

Madder About Wool in Egloskerry has donated a ball of dyed yarn to be won during the raffle. Each participant will be given a free raffle ticket on arrival, with the chance of winning this luxurious ball of yarn to take home.

For those who would like to help, but are unable to come along on the day, any donations of knitted items would be most welcome. The Wool Shop and Katie and Flora in Launceston have both offered to take in any donations, which will then be sent to Lorna to be added to the collection of items for St Petroc’s.

“We’re a friendly group of ladies,” Lorna added. “It’s nice to make new friends. There will be lots of cake, tea and coffee, which is always a good thing. Everyone is welcome to come along and meet some friendly people, while doing something good for a worthwhile cause.”