Leeds Knitters Spread Comfort With More Than 1,500 Prayer Shawls
By Community Correspondent
A group of knitters in Leeds has spent the past 15 years quietly bringing comfort to people facing illness, loneliness and loss through handmade prayer shawls.
Volunteers at The Salvation Army’s Leeds Central church have now created and distributed more than 1,500 shawls, scarves and prayer squares to people in need of support, as well as those celebrating important moments in life.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry, based at the church on Nile Street, was launched in honour of former church leader Major Florence Ryder and is led by volunteers Gill Crocker and Penny Cousins.
Each knitted item is blessed before being given away, with many recipients describing them as a source of comfort during difficult times.
Major Nicola Barker, who leads Leeds Central Salvation Army with her husband Major Michael Barker, said the ministry had touched countless lives over the years.
“They are a lovely group who have knitted hundreds of prayer shawls since the ministry started,” she said. “They knit for people they know are struggling, but also for happier occasions such as weddings, baby dedications and other milestones.”
She recalled visiting a woman in hospital over Christmas whose family lived in Australia and were unable to visit.
“I met her on a particularly difficult day, but the shawl gave her a lot of comfort,” she said.
Another woman even asked if she could hold one of the knitted prayer squares during life-saving surgery.
“There are hundreds of stories like that,” Major Barker added. “People often write to say thank you and tell us how blessed they feel.”
The knitted prayer squares, each containing a small cross and message, are left in baskets in the church foyer for anyone to take. A note attached reads: “Each stitch has been prayed into and is a reminder of God’s great love for you.”
According to Major Barker, demand is so high that volunteers are regularly topping up supplies.
“It’s a very tactile thing, just to have in your pocket as a comfort,” she said.
As Leeds Central Salvation Army marks its 150th anniversary this year, the group has also been knitting special prayer squares for every member of the congregation.
But organisers say the project is not only helping recipients — it has also created a strong sense of community among the knitters themselves.
Volunteer Daphne said she first received a prayer shawl before joining the group.
“People take comfort in the idea that someone is thinking of them and doing that for them,” she said. “I felt very moved when I received mine.”
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She admitted she is a slow knitter, but enjoys attending for the companionship.
“There’s a special cheer when I finish one because it takes me so long,” she laughed.
Fellow volunteer Jean also knows personally how meaningful the shawls can be.
“When my mum died, I was one of the first to receive one and I still keep it tied around my bedpost,” she said. “Knowing people were praying for me during that time meant a lot.”
Over the years, the group has produced more than shawls.
Volunteers have knitted football scarves in Salvation Army colours and recently sent handmade items to a Salvation Army Lifehouse in Grimsby, which supports people experiencing homelessness.
Some shawls have even travelled overseas through Salvation Army connections around the world.
“Even if we never meet the people receiving them, we still feel connected to them,” Jean said.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the first Tuesday of every month and is one of several community projects run by Leeds Central Salvation Army, which also provides food support and companionship for local residents.
