SENIOR volunteers in Beragh recently bridged the generation gap by taking part in The Big Knit – an Age Concern (ACNI) campaign in conjunction with TinyLife, the premature and vulnerable baby charity.

Knitting groups from ACNI volunteered their needlework skills to create a huge number of tiny garments for premature babies and demonstrated just how easy it is to make a difference to the lives of others by volunteering a little time and effort.

Participants were invited to a Volunteers' Week recognition event in the Bank House Hotel Dungannon where Joan Harbison, Chairperson of ACNI presented each group with a certificate of achievement.

Dame Joan Harbison said, "This is a fantastic way to demonstrate and recognise the value older volunteers bring to society. ACNI volunteers are active every day of the year, whether befriending frailer older people, providing meals for vulnerable people, leading active ageing health and fitness programmes, transporting isolated older people to medical appointments, or representing the voice of older people on committees locally and nationally. Age Concern Northern Ireland simply couldn't exist without the support of its dedicated volunteers, to whom I send out heartfelt thanksk. "

Valerie Cromie, Regional Fundraising Manager with TinyLife said, "TinyLife was overwhelmed with the number of premature baby clothes and blankets donated by the Age Concern knitting groups. Each year over 2000 babies are born too soon and almost 900 will require neonatal intensive care.

TinyLife will distribute these beautiful garments to neonatal units across Northern Ireland and some will be passed on to a neonatal unit (twinned with the Ulster Hospital) in Mozambique, making the big knit a truly international event.

TinyLife greatly appreciates the support of the Age Concern knitters - it is wonderful that the most senior members of society have supported the youngest members in our society."

If you would like to volunteer please contact Maura McClean, volunteer coordinator, Age Concern on 028 9024 5729, or volunteering@ageconcernni.org