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Volunteers have spent more than 2,000 hours combined this year to knit blankets for those in need this Christmas.

The annual project, which started in 2020, is run by Caerphilly Miners’ Centre – the community hub which opened in 2015 on the site of the former Caerphilly Miners’ Hospital.

This year, more than 80 blankets have been donated to charitable causes in Caerphilly County Borough thanks to the scheme.

Each blanket is made from 25 crocheted squares – which each square taking around an hour each to knit. It then takes a further five hours to crochet the squares together to make a blanket.

Volunteers then sort the squares into batches for crocheting, before labelling and packing the blankets.

The scheme started as a way to keep people connected during the Covid pandemic and has continued long after the lifting of restrictions.

As well as this, the Miners’ Centre has also collected a big bag of toiletries, which were donated to it by the community and Asda Caerphilly, to give out with the blankets.

Who has received the blankets?

Domestic abuse and homelessness charity Llamau, which has a base in Caerphilly, has received 28 blankets from the Miners’ Centre.

Llamau refuge manager, Julie Inwood, said the blankets would be given to women at the charity’s refuge.

“Blankets give reassurance and comfort to the women, and a sense of safety,” said Ms Inwood, who explained the blankets will be given to domestic abuse survivors alongside toiletries as part of a ‘care package’.

“A lot of women flee with nothing,” she said. “They’re so grateful to have things like toothbrushes and shower gel when they first come in.”

She added: “Blankets have always been well received by staff and residents.”

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Caerphilly Cares team has received 32 blankets.

Candice Griffiths, who is a community wellbeing connector with Caerphilly Cares, said the blankets would be given to the food banks run by the Parish Trust in Trethomas, and Connect Life Church, on Crescent Road, Caerphilly.

She also said Caerphilly Cares will be giving blankets to the council’s Meals on Wheels service, which delivers hot meals to residents unable to cook for themselves.

Ms Griffiths said: “If they feel that someone they help is really struggling, they can give out a blanket with the food.”

The Miners’ Centre has also donated 22 blankets, as well as some smaller blankets for babies, to the Parent Network, which is based at Bargoed YMCA.

Shauna Main, an administrator at the Parent Network, said the blankets will be distributed through the clothes bank at Bargoed YMCA.

She said: “This will make a huge difference.

“We make clothes packages, where we match clothes for children, such as uniform and fancy dress, all for free. The blankets will be included in some of these packs.”

Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd Member, Hefin David, presented the blankets to the organisations during an event at the Miners’ Centre on Monday November 20.

Dr David said: “I’m always thrilled to come to this event – this is my third year. It’s become a highlight in my calendar.

“I want to say a massive well done to all the volunteers and knitters who have spent so much of their time making these blankets, to support those who need it.

“I’d also like to thank the agencies receiving the donations for the work they do with vulnerable people every day in the borough.”

He added: “These organisations play a crucial role in our local community and I’m very grateful for all the work they do.”