Calling all knitters! Hampshire Police need your help
Bobby Buddies given to children after domestic incident
Knitters in Hampshire are being urged to help create special police officer bears to help traumatised children.
Known as Bobby Buddies the bears are given to children by officers to help communicate with them and break down barriers that can exist when police attend after a domestic incident.
Hampshire Constabulary began the initiative in February 2019, previously the force were inundated with offers of help from creative residents but the bears have been so popular the force is now running low.
Detective Sergeant Adam Merrick, said:
“We were so lucky to have had so many people help us previously and the bears were really well received. These little bears really do help to provide comfort and reassurance to young children when we attend an incident they have been involved in or have witnessed, and can help break down that initial barrier.
“Not only do they reassure the child, making it easier for us to talk to them and find out what has happened, they also help to distract the child if we are trying to talk to their parent.
“The children who receive these bears would have been through a lot and would be recognised as a victim of domestic abuse in their own right under the new Domestic Abuse Act. Being able to greet them with this small gesture really does make a difference and helps put a smile on their face at a difficult time in their lives.”
If you'd like to get involved then you can find the pattern on the links below.
Finished bears can be handed in at your local police station