Trauma teddies scheme expands
25th January 2018
A scheme where police officers give a cuddly toy to young children they meet during their daily patrols has been expanded across the North East.
The ‘Trauma Teddies’ scheme was launched in September but was started as a pilot operation that just covered part of Newcastle.
It involved knitted teddy bears being stored in patrol cars of response officers so that they can hand it to young children they meet when responding to incidents. They could be handed to children who were involved in a road traffic collision or to a young child who had gone missing.
Now the decision has been made to expand the pilot forcewide so patrol cars in Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside and Northumberland will carry ‘Trauma Teddies’.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC, said: “I very much welcome this initiative to Northumbria. It recognises the effect a traumatic experience can have on a child and such a simple gesture is a step towards making a child’s experience less painful.
“Our officers sometimes have to attend devastating road traffic accidents or are called out to domestic incidents where a child has witnessed frightening scenes which result in seeing someone they know, and even love, being taken away.
“A teddy won’t fix things but if it can help officers distract a child from what’s happening and offer them some comfort. I’m very thankful to everyone who has donated these bears – they will make a difference.”
If you are a knitter, it would be great if you could make a few teddies, please be assured they will go to a good home.
If you or an organisation you know can help, please ring 0191 221 9800 or email enquiries@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk
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