New charity is making blankets for homeless people out of recycled crisp packets

A new charity is creating blankets for rough sleepers in the North West from old crisp packets. 

The Rough Sleepers Project: North West, set up by two girls who have just finished university, has taken inspiration from the ‘Crisp Packet Project’ based in East Sussex to help those in the local area.

The blankets are made by ironing the packets together and re-enforcing them with plastic waste from local businesses. They are then distributed by the Manchester-based charity 2Brews.

Jodie McGonagle, aged 22 started the project with her friend in St Helens this year, when asked what her motivation was, she said: “I’ve been in Manchester many times as a student and it’s just horrible to see people who don’t have basic necessities.

“You can’t imagine it yourself and if you can help, you have to I think.”

The foil-lining on the blankets reflects body heat to keep the user warm, they are also water and windproof. 

Crisp packets, which are believed to take 80 years to decompose, provide a sustainable alternative to throwing them away and can provide a lifeline for people on the streets.

Lauren Jones, who founded the 2Brews charity in Manchester, said: “Crisp blankets are a brilliant idea, it doesn’t cost anything. You are using rubbish to make something that somebody can use – potentially save somebody’s life if it’s a really cold night.

“I think that they are fabulous.”

To get involved and donate your crisp packets, wash the empty packets with soap and water and allow to completely dry.

Post or drop off packets are The Old Tow Hall, Eccles, M30 0FN or post them to Rough Sleepers, Oasis Hub MediaCityUK, King William Street, Salford, M50 3UQ.

You can keep up to date with the amazing work Rough Sleepers Project: North West is doing on Facebook here.