As the cold weather bites and Islanders face rising energy costs, the Isle of Wight County Press is launching the Wight Warmers Knit-In Challenge.

Working alongside charities across the Isle of Wight, we need your help - and your best crafting skills - to support vulnerable residents worried about the cold and the cost of heating, this winter.

Scroll down for how to get involved...

This winter, many of us are facing a stark choice between heating and eating, after a sharp rise in price of power. There have been national warnings about the possibility of planned blackouts, to protect the national grid.

Isle of Wight County Press:

How to get involved in the Wight Warmers Knit-In Challenge

Here's how you can help us keep Islanders warm at home, this winter.

  • Grab your knitting needles, crochet hooks and sewing kits
  • Craft blankets, hats and scarves - we're trying to gather 200 items before Christmas
  • Take them to a drop-off point (we will be unveiling them next week - and there will be one near you)
  • All donated items must be new and clean

The Isle of Wight County Press and Island charities will distribute them to people in need on the Island.

On Ventnor High Street, Better Days Cafe Inclusion Hub's Kirsty Chapman has pledged a free drink for crafters dropping items in.  

In Ryde, Apsire Ryde on Dover Street will be one of our drop-off points for finished items.

The organisation's Trevor Nicholas said: "We are seeing the impact of the rise in heating costs daily at Aspire Ryde.

"This is a very welcome initiative to help keep people warmer this winter."

Isle of Wight County Press:

The food pantry at Oakfield Primary School in Ryde is helping with knitting and will be sharing items with those who use it.

The West Wight Sports and Community Centre told us: "As we did during the pandemic, West Wight Sports and Community Centre, in conjunction with the Our Place community sessions, will act as a hub to receive and distribute items made by the talented crafters on the Isle of Wight and help people to stay warm and well, during what may be a difficult winter ahead.

Members of the Isle of Wight's WI network will also be getting involved in the making. 

Other ways to get involved in the Wight Warmers Knit-In Challenge

  • Do you run a project for people who might need a blanket, hat or scarf? Contact and tell us how we can help! 
  • Want to act as a drop-off point?​​
  • Run a craft group on the Isle of Wight? Tell us how you're getting involved by tagging #wightwarmers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and drop us a line via email. We may come out to see you in action!
  • Email lucym@iwcpmail.co.uk