DOZENS of "trauma toys" have been created to comfort children affected by crime or sexual violence.
The soft teddies will be handed out to children who come into contact with Cleveland Police, Victim Care and Advice Service (VCAS), Teesside Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and other victim services.
Over 100 toys have already been created by groups and individuals across Teesside, including Nunthorpe and Marton Knitters, Middlesbrough Trefoil Guild and Girlguiding Cleveland.
An appeal is now being launched to encourage more knitting groups across Cleveland to take part and create their own toys for children in need.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland Barry Coppinger said: “I’m extremely grateful to generous individuals already involved in the project for kick-starting our campaign and we would love other groups across Teesside to produce their own knitted creations.
“The toys will be a small comfort to some of the most vulnerable children in Cleveland’s criminal justice system, who are bewildered and frightened by the situation they find themselves in, through no fault of their own.”
A suggested knitting pattern and full donation information can be found on the PCC’s website.
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