PURL – Knitting Ripon Together

Ripon Community Poppy Project working with Outwood Academy to Tackle Loneliness and Share Skills

The project sees members of the famous Poppy Project Team knitting alongside students at Outwood Academy. Designed to share traditional craft skills while building new friendships, PURL aims to reduce isolation and boost wellbeing for everyone involved.

Students are learning to knit poppies and other simple patterns alongside experienced volunteers, while enjoying meaningful conversations and companionship across the generations. The project is already creating positive buzz throughout the school and broader community.

PURL – Knitting Ripon Together is set to run throughout the school holidays with the pupils taking wool and needles home with them to make as many poppies as they can with plans to showcase the students’ knitted work outside their school as part of the city’s annual Poppy Project display in November.

“This is about more than just knitting,”

said Stuart Martin, spokesperson for the Ripon Community Poppy Project.

“It’s about connecting people. By working together with young people in our community, we’re tackling loneliness, building confidence, and keeping valuable traditions alive.”