The Essex project gifting knitted blankets and shawls to people in need
It all began during lockdown
Last updated 24th May 2022
Hundreds of knitters across Essex are taking part in a project to donate handmade items to people who might be in need of a pick-me-up.
The Hug in a Shrug project began in lockdown, with the thought that blankets and shawls could serve as 'hugs' when covid lockdowns prevented people from meeting up in person.
It's now grown into a large online and in-person community, where people knit blankets, shawls and many other items, which are then gifted (for free) to people who are in need of a 'hug' - many of whom have been nominated.
Corrina O'Donnell, who oversees the project in Rochford, explains who receives the gifts: "They could go to people that are bereaved, or who've just come home from hospital. People may have had some unfortunate circumstances - something's gone wrong or they're unwell.
"Sometimes people don't even tell us the reason - they might just have an elderly neighbour who they'd like to give a hug in a shrug...
"We also reach out to organisations like care homes, befriending services, mental health support groups and hospitals."
She says the reaction from people who receive the gifts is really heart-warming: "We have so many tears! It's really lovely when people get it because sometimes people don't understand what we do and say 'So what? It's just a blanket' but it's not, it's way more than that. It's not just a blanket."
Not only do those who receive the 'hugs' benefits from the project, Corrina says those who do the knitting benefit too: "It's like a circle... the project is like a community and some have made really good friendships and have gotten to know each other.
"Coming out of lockdown, I've seen that the people that knit and crochet are such a community, and they really missed that when lockdown took that away from them. Everyone initially says, 'What a lovely group, they're giving lots away', but really they're all benefitting from it too."
She also says they're always welcoming to new members: "New members are always welcome, which is one of the great things about Hug in a Shrug. A lot of knitting groups just don't take new members, but this group is so accessible to everyone.
"I think my youngest member is 28, and my oldest member is 84! It really is just for everyone."