[title]
Over 8,000 people are expected to have slept rough in London this year alone, and as the dreary English weather gets chillier you can do your bit to help by knitting a scarf for those who will be spending Christmas on the streets this winter.
On December 5, 100s of designers will gather to knit scarves for east London's homeless, which this year had the highest levels of homelessness. According to Local Homelessness Authority Statistics, Newham, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Barking and Dagenham had an average of 11 households accepted as homeless per 1,000 homes in the area, compared to a national average of 2.18 in 2015 and 2016.
The knitathon is hosted by See Fashion, an independent fashion label that supports emerging designers, with other Hackney-based stores Albion Knitting company and the Good Yarn stall holding workshops and providing materials for the event. Don't worry if you've never picked up a needle in your life, as experts will be on hand to guide you through the process and pick up all those slipped stitches.
It is free to take part, but a suggested donation of £2 is encouraged, with all proceeds going to charity North London Action for the Homeless.
The knitathon takes place on Dec 5 at The Bridge Cafe, 81 Southwark Bridge Rd, SE1 0NQ.