Residents across Peterborough are encouraged to spot hand-knitted scarves appearing at landmarks throughout the city centre this February.
The brightly coloured scarves, created by the Friends of Woodston Library’s Knitting Group, will carry information about FutureNow Peterborough, a new initiative between Peterborough City Council and, local charity, PECT.
“We wanted to create something that would get people thinking about how they heat their homes during coldest months of the year,” said Gemma Birley, Project Manager, from PECT. “With many households facing difficult decisions about heating this winter, these scarves are both a practical gesture and a way to let people know that help and advice is available.”
The scarves have been knitted in the distinctive brand colours of FutureNow Peterborough, a new one-stop hub designed to help local residents access energy-saving advice, funding opportunities, and practical support to keep their homes warm and reduce bills.
FutureNow Peterborough brings together tips on home energy efficiency, information about available grants and schemes, and details of trusted local installers, all in one easy-to-find resource at www.futurenowpeterborough.co.uk.
Residents are encouraged to look out for the scarves throughout February, with new ones appearing regularly at locations across the city.
Following the campaign, any unclaimed scarves that remain in good condition will be donated to local community groups. Those showing signs of wear will be turned into dog bedding at a local charity, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Jennie Storey, Chair of the Friends of Woodston Library said:
“As a local community group we were keen to get involved in such a worthwhile initiative and take part in the PECT advice sessions. We are all too painfully aware of the pressures of rising fuel bills and for many it may be a simple choice between eating or heating. The support people received at Woodston Library was very useful particularly regarding insulation, draft excluders and simple measures we can all take.
“Libraries are so important – providing safe, warm spaces where people can come together in a creative environment and obtain knowledge and information – the scarves are just our way of saying thank you and hopefully they will help someone in need keep a bit warmer this winter as temperatures plummet – in effect a knitted hug.”
For more information about FutureNow Peterborough and to access free energy-saving advice, visit www.futurenowpeterborough.co.uk.