Volunteer knitters create Trauma Teddies to help work of emergency crews

A knitting group at Pips Community Cafe in Purton has made 74 very special teddy bears to help emergency services teams.

The Trauma Teddies are used by the crews to help bring comfort to people suffering trauma.
Purton Knitting Group meets at the community cafe, which is based at the Silver Threads Hall in High Street and offers a variety of activities for local people.
Pips Community Cafe volunteer Louise Cordas said: "The Purton knitting group we have in the cafe once a month, led by Judith Sullivan, have been knitting Trauma Bears from wool and toy stuffing which has been donated by very kind local people via shout outs on our Facebook page.
"Trauma Bears are given to emergency services to give to young people - or older - to give calm and reassurance to those who are experiencing very stressful situations."
In addition to the bears, the knitters have created 16 hand puppets.
Knitting group co-ordinator Judith Sullivan praised the amazing efforts of the knitters and donors of materials, and added: "I am thrilled beyond words!” Judith and the knitting group are no strangers to knitting for good causes, having made and sent beautiful throws and knitted items to locations such as African countries and Ukraine .
Each Trauma Teddy is given a hug by its knitter to pass on to a young or not so young person who is in need of comfort and reassurance.

Further information about the knitting group and other activities at the community cafe can be found at www.facebook.com/pipscommunitycafe