The free knitting group started at headspace last month and volunteer Jake Wadsworth said knitting is something that has helped him relax and was excited to jump on the beanie project.

“The Reclaim the Night march is a great event to jump on board with and I think all of our knitters were keen to give beanie knitting a go,” Ms Wadsworth said.

“It is sad that we have to have a march like it in 2018 but I think it is also a great chance for the community to come together and say that everyone has the right to feel safe at night.

“Knitting is such a great way to unwind and de-stress and to know the beanies are going to go to such a great cause is a good thing.”

Mr Wadsworth said he started knitting young and hoped the knitting classes at headspace continued.

“I started knitting when I was in year 11 and 12 as a way to de-stress after study and since school I have kept with it,” he said.

“I find it really useful if I just want to zone out but keep my hands busy doing something productive and I am so happy that so many young people have been keen to give it a go.

“They are doing a great job and embracing knitting process.”

Julie Jamieson, community engagement officer at headspace and also a member on the Reclaim the Night march committee said the beanie project going to be bigger and better in 2018.

“Last year was the first time we had the beanies and it was so much of a success that we are doing it again this year,” Ms Jamieson said.

“We had over 100 beanies out last year and instead of having a price we asked people to pay what they wanted.

“In the end we sold out very quickly so we are starting earlier and encouraging as many people as we can to knit and donate them to the cause.”

Read more: A sea of pink and love to Reclaim the Night

The pussycat beanies originated in the USA at the Women’s March on Washington held in January 2017. The ‘Pussyhat Project’ founders wanted to see a sea of knitted crocheted or sewn caps to make a visual statement on the streets of Washington DC.

As well as the knitting group at headspace, knitting kits can be found at the Port Macquarie library.

“The Reclaim the Night march is a whole of community event and we are asking everyone to get behind and support the cause by knitting a beanie and coming along on the night,” she said.

“All the proceeds from the beanies this year will go to headspace to continue their services to help young people in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area.”