Soroptimist International Launched the 100 year Trauma Bear challenge. These Teddies are given to the Police, women’s refuges and schools to comfort children who have been subjected to abuse or have suffered other trauma such as bereavement. The knitters in the Sevenoaks club took on this challenge with vigour making over 300 bears. Through this initiative the club has forged close partnership links with Kent Police and also with other Soroptimist clubs throughout the South and South East region.
February club meeting – Detective Inspector Richard Pringle Child Protection Team West Division, Kent Police spoke about his work in child abuse and child protection and how the trauma bears play an important role in helping relax children who have to be interviewed in distressing circumstances following abuse.
Richard was presented with more bears and his own monogrammed de stressor muff knitted in police colours for his desk.
DI Pringle pictured below with club members Shirley and Shirley, club friend Maureen and invited guest Jane from SI Medway and Maidstone who had also knitted 90 bears.
Also pictured the Teddies with Kent Police Child Protection Team outside the Sutton Rd Police HQ.
