Ballywalter Group Completes Multiply Initiative and Donates Blankets of Hope

Released: Wednesday 16 July 2025

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Vicky Moore, recently visited a group in Ballywalter who had successfully completed a Multiply programme that took place over the months of January to March 2025. The initiative was delivered by Ards and North Down Borough Council's Community Development team and funded by the Department for the Economy.

The Multiply initiative was aimed at improving adult numeracy skills and encourage people over the age of 50 to come together. There is a close relationship between knitting, geometry, and maths, so three groups from across the Borough took part in a craft project of crochet and knitting.

This included a group at Ballywalter Village Hall who decided to create 'blankets of hope' that they could donate to children and families battling cancer through the Cancer Fund for Children.

The Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Vicky Moore, said:

"I was delighted to meet the ladies who formed the Ballywalter group and see some of their very thoughtful creations. By working together, they created many blankets that will provide children with comfort and warmth during their treatment."

Following the successful completion of the programme, the Ballywalter group decided to continue operating as their newly formed knit and natter group. They continue to create blankets of hope and donate them to the Cancer Fund for Children.

The Department for the Economy led the delivery of the Multiply programme in Northern Ireland. The programme supported the Economic Vision for a regionally balanced economy with good jobs and increased productivity, which contributes to decarbonisation.