Knitters needed to help Number Forty

Are you nimble with the knitting needles? Do you love coming up with crochet creations?

Then Number Forty needs your help!

As the weather turns colder, volunteers at the safe space, in Skinnergate, are in need of cosy blankets to keep vulnerable people warm.

The blankets can be knitted or crocheted in any size, but would ideally be big enough to wrap around a person to keep them warm while they are being tended to by volunteers.

Since it opened in September, Number Forty has helped keep more than 150 people safe while out in Darlington.

It is staffed by trained security staff and volunteers, with support from police officers, who can provide help to those who need it.

Some of those helped include reuniting young people with their parents or other loved ones after becoming separated from their friends, arranging first aid or ambulance help for people who have been injured, and signposting people to agencies who can assist those in mental health crisis.

Others have simply popped in for a cup of tea and a chat with the volunteers, or to pick up some flip flops or a bottle of water while on a night out.

Number Forty is a joint project between Durham Constabulary, Darlington Borough Council, and Durham Police and Crime Commissioner as part of the Darlington Safer Streets partnership.

It is one of several interventions being implemented by the partnership to help make Darlington safer for everyone.

If you would like to knit or crochet a blanket, donations can be dropped off at Number Forty, which is open from 9pm to 3am on Friday and Saturday nights or you can email [email protected] or [email protected]

Alternatively, cash donations to assist with buying consumables for the premises can be made here https://bit.ly/3HjCpXz