HANDMADE teddy bears which comfort people after a traumatic experience have been donated to Bromsgrove firefighters and the British Red Cross.
A basket of 44 trauma teddies which were each knitted with love and care by members of Finstall Women’s Institute were handed over last Friday (April 24) at the town’s police and fire station.
The special bears will now be placed in fire engines and British Red Cross’ vehicles which serve the area and will be given to children and vulnerable people to help keep them calm and offer them a form of comfort.
This includes anyone with special needs or people who suffer from diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Mel Turbutt, who is a volunteer for the Worcestershire-based branch of the British Red Cross fire and emergency support service, said: “As soon as we heard I thought it was a good idea – children respond better to toys than adults sometimes.”
Jenny Banner, the Finstall Women’s Institute secretary, said: “It is nice because most of us like to think you are giving something to someone in a time of stress.
“I would like to thank everybody for their hard work.”
Phil Berry, fire station commander, said: “I thought it was a fantastic initiative especially as we have been to some very traumatic incidents where children have been involved.
“It will be nice to be able to give them something to help them deal with the situation.”
