This Winter King’s Cornwall organised a ‘Knit for those in Need’ campaign to provide hats and scarves to vulnerable people in the Newquay area.

Using the King’s Service Centre office in Quintrell Downs as a collection point, we were able to deliver 120 hats and 46 scarves to Monique at DISC Newquay to be distributed with other winter essentials to those who need it most.

Staff that have never knitted before, as well as those more experienced, produced some lovely scarves.

DISC Newquay offer support to people experiencing homelessness, those who are vulnerable and anyone else in need in Newquay and the surrounding area.

With Newquay amongst the poorest areas in the country, DISC is there to help people who have fallen into the poverty trap and are struggling with homelessness, debt, mental health, addiction and more.

The hats and scarves that were donated were distributed throughout December along with food parcels and Christmas gifts for children. We also received lots of donations from local community knitting groups such as Purls of Wisdom, Knit & Natter and Just Be.

Alongside volunteering projects like this, all King’s Service Centre staff get the opportunity to take three days ‘volunteering’ leave known as Service Time to work on community-based activities and support local charities. As King’s Service Centre is based in Cornwall, we are exploring ways to develop collaborative partnerships that meet the needs of local communities.

If you have any questions, queries or ideas about King’s Cornwall then please email kingscornwall@kcl.ac.uk.