Thistles launches campaign to support those in need across Stirling and Forth Valley

Thistles, supported by Coorie Creative, will run a #ThistlesHelps campaign in aid of Start Up Stirling

Thistles is launching a new #ThistlesHelps campaign to support those in need across Stirling and Forth Valley, working with social enterprise Coorie Creative to provide knitted goods to those moving into new homes with the help of Start Up Stirling, in a bid to combat the impact of rising heating prices.

The latest community support initiative from the shopping centre will ask members of the local community to knit and donate blankets to benefit those in need. Coorie Creative, which is based within Thistles, will not only become a donation station during the month of May, it will also host events to allow people to come together and knit.

Throughout the month of May, Coorie Creative will host a weekly Craft for Good groups on a Tuesday between 10am – 4pm. With ten slots available for each session, keen knitters will be able to get together and create blankets, tea towels and various other items to donate to Start Up Stirling.

The items created will go towards Start Up Stirling’s Starter Pack kits, which provide people who are starting new tenancies following homelessness, a crisis or a significant change to their personal situation with practical basics, such as crockery and towels, to ease some of their concerns and help them settle in their new circumstances.

Gary Turnbull, Centre Director at Thistles, said: “We created the #ThistlesHelps initiative to give back to the community wherever we can, especially after the difficulties we’ve all experienced over the last two years. Moving into a new home under any circumstance is stressful but especially for those who are experiencing hardship, which is why we’ve chosen to support Start Up Stirling, a charity which provides an invaluable resource to so many across the area.

“Between the rising cost of living and increase in energy and heating prices, we want to play our part in allowing the local community to come together and help those in need. In partnership with Coorie Creative we hope to make the transition into new accommodation even the smallest bit easier and hope that this campaign will demonstrate once again the kindness and generosity of people across Stirling and Forth Valley.”

Dr Alison Mayne, Skills Tutor at Coorie Creative said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Thistles and play a role in helping Start Up Stirling provide to those in need. Supporting others is at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to the Crafting for Good group giving handmade comfort to anyone who needs it.

“There are lots of ways for people to get involved, from joining the in-person group on Tuesdays, to donating balls of yarn for others to use, and donating items made at home.”

Crafters looking to support the campaign can visit the Coorie Creative weaving studio beside Primark, in Thistles and work on their items in as part of one of the Craft for Good group sessions, or take a free pattern to complete at home and return at a later date to the donation station within Coorie Creative. Free yarn and needles can also be provided for those who want to take part but don’t have access to the necessary supplies.

Julie Christie, Communities and Fundraising Manager, Start Up Stirling, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Coorie Creative as part of the #ThistlesHelps Initiative. Their support will make a big difference to the people that we provide help for in the Stirling area who are living in hardship.

“We are hoping that the keen crochet enthusiasts and knitters from across Forth Valley will come and volunteer to support the campaign. If you would like to learn to knit or crochet, this is a great way to gain a new skill, as a gift that is made especially for someone is such a special thing. We are looking forward to learning more about all of the crafts that Coorie Creative have to offer.”

To book a space in the Craft for Good Group, or to arrange dropping off a donation please email community@cooriecreative.co.uk

For more information on Thistles, its opening hours, shops and events, visit www.thistlesstirling.com.