Over one thousand crocheted, knitted and crafted flowers are taking over locations in Bedford to raise awareness of the mental health issues facing young people.
The team at the charity Transitions UK made and collated the 1,200 flowers to ‘yarn bomb’ the Suspension Bridge in Bedford.
The charity supports vulnerable young people with their transition into adulthood, with many at a disadvantage because of past trauma, anxieties, mental health challenges, learning difficulties, the risk of exploitation and leaving care.
They provide a two-year, person-centred, mentoring and befriending service, focusing on bettering the lives of those who need support.
The display, with crocheted contributions from as far afield as Yorkshire, The Isle of Wight and Poland, was to highlight the importance of mental health and supporting others
who may be struggling.
Since appearing on the Suspension Bridge, the flowers are adorning the pitches at Bedford Hockey Club on Chester Road.
Transitions is now looking for new places to showcase the spectacular display and is open
to any suggestions from the public. Do you have somewhere in mind?
If so, please email fundraising@transitionsuk.org with your suggestion. We can’t wait to see where they pop up next.
Transitions UK’s appeal for young people’s mental health
There’s been an 81% increase in mental health referrals since Covid-19 and many are not getting the support they need.
In 2019, Transitions UK were helping 100 young people, but are now supporting over 300.
The charity is overwhelmed with the number of referrals and is in need of support to continue the work they do.
The Interim Chief Executive said: “The UK is on the brink of a crisis that will last a generation if young people’s recovery from mental ill-health is not urgently supported.”
From yarn bombing to Bedfringe…
This year, Transitions UK is working with BedFringe Festival by providing volunteers for bucket collections, as well as BedFringe donating 75% of the ticket price for the drag act, Sasha Mystére to the charity.
The performance will be full of singing, music, fun, laughter, and an abundance of saucy one-liners.
Contact fundraising@transitionsuk.org if you would like to volunteer to help with the bucket collection at Bedfringe. You can secure your tickets for the drag show, Sasha Mystére at the Bedfringe website here.
