Haven Hat Collective Connects Students, Skills and Community Through Crochet

Students from Tresham College in Kettering, part of The Bedford College Group, have combined creativity, wellbeing and community spirit to make a meaningful difference for some of the most vulnerable members of the local community.

What began as a simple wellbeing activity within the College’s Haven support space has grown into a thriving student-led initiative that is now supporting premature babies at Kettering General Hospital and people experiencing homelessness across the town.

During the transition term back in October, Maggie Evans, who supervises the College’s Haven space, noticed a number of students using crochet as a way to self-regulate, reduce stress and manage their wellbeing. In response to growing interest, she began bringing in additional wool and crochet hooks, helping students develop their dexterity, creativity and confidence.

The positive impact was immediate, with students returning to lessons feeling calmer, more focused and better prepared to engage in their studies.

The idea was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from students.

Gabby Rapacz, a Level 2 Hairdressing student, said:

“Being able to be a part of our crochet club has helped me in many ways, from being able to distract and keep myself busy to meeting others with the same interests. Having the goal of making hats for the preemies has benefited us all and given us something to destress with alongside our courses.”

The project has also extended beyond the college walls. Students and their families have been making Haven Hats at home, contributing a significant donation to the cause.

As interest grew, the initiative evolved into a popular lunchtime club, with both students and staff getting involved. Keen to maintain the momentum of this student-led project, Maggie reached out to local councillor Emily Fedorowycz, who helped raise awareness through her Em-Powering Kettering social media platform.

Thanks to this support, the Haven Hat Collective has received donations from residents across Kettering and surrounding areas, with members of the community regularly dropping off knitted and crocheted items at the college.

This week marked a significant milestone, with the group’s first delivery to Kettering General Hospital’s Neonatal Unit. More than 90 handmade hats and bonding square sets were donated for babies and their families.

Leah, Deputy Sister at Kettering General Hospital’s Neonatal Unit, said:

“Thank you to all the students for their generous contribution and making something so lovely for our babies. I’m sure the big bag of hats will be used quickly by the babies and families and treasured as keepsakes forever.”

Reflecting on the project’s success, club founder Maggie Evans said:

“The Haven Hat Collective is a wonderful example of what can happen when students are given the opportunity to develop new skills while making meaningful community connections. What started as a wellbeing activity has grown into something much bigger, helping students build confidence, friendships and a sense of purpose while making a real difference to local families and vulnerable people. I’m incredibly proud of what our students have achieved and grateful for the support we’ve received from the wider community.”

The Haven Hat Collective is continuing to grow and is now encouraging further donations of crocheted and knitted hats, as well as baby bonding squares. The group is currently working towards its next delivery, with plans to provide adult hats to Kettering Street Pastors during the autumn term for distribution to people experiencing homelessness.

Anyone wishing to support the project can donate handmade crochet or knitted hats via the main reception at Tresham College’s Kettering campus, clearly labelled FAO: Haven Hat Collective.