Trauma Teddies Scheme
29th May 2018
The ‘Trauma Teddies’ scheme is helping children across the region as it continues its ever growing success.
The scheme involves police officers giving a teddy to young children they meet during their daily patrols or to help a child cope with a traumatic experience. It was first launched in September 2017 in Newcastle with the help of Victims First, but has since been rolled out across Northumbria- and to great success.
Residents from all communities across the region have helped knit the teddies and yesterday, May 23, Chief Constable Winton Keenen, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC and Victims First Co-ordinator, Becky Childs met with St. George’s Knitter Natter Craft and Chatter Coffee Group to talk teddies and the great work they do helping young children who suffer the effects of crime.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC, said: “If it weren’t for the hard work of our public and groups like St. George’s knitters, then this scheme simply would not work and it would not benefit the young children it reaches out to.
“The effects of crime won’t disappear with the gift of a teddy but they offer comfort and support and any form of comfort to a child in need is worthwhile.
“I can’t thank the knitters of St. George’s enough, or the other groups and individuals knitting tirelessly to help expand our trauma teddies. They donate their time and resources and, with our officers, help make a difference.”
Joan Cooper from St. George’s Knitter Natter Craft and Chatter Coffee Group, said: “Our group enjoys working for the benefit of many different charitable causes. We hope that the teddies bring a smile and a little comfort to their new owners.”
If you are a knitter, stop in at your local police station for more information or to drop of any knitted teddies.
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