Cumbria Police would like to thank the public for the overwhelmingly positive response to an appeal for people to create teddy bears to comfort children experiencing distressing or traumatic circumstances.
The Constabulary appealed to the county’s knitting community to create the bears – known as Bobby Buddies – and donate them to the Constabulary. The bears would then be kept in police vehicles where they could be used to help a child in circumstances such as a serious or fatal road traffic collision, or any other incident which could leave a child in distress.
The Constabulary now has more than 300 Bobby Buddies as a result of the appeal.
Sergeant Rebecca Morgan said: “On behalf of everyone at the Constabulary I’d like to thank all the people who responded so positively to our appeal – not just those who knitted but those who shared the appeal on social media to help it reach the right people.
“We expected, given the generous nature of people in the county, that the appeal would prove popular but we’ve been blown away by how supportive and helpful people have been.”
Following the appeal, Bobby Buddies began arriving at police desks almost immediately.
The project was initial set up in North Cumbria only but, following the successful response, it will now be rolled out across the county.
Sgt Morgan said: “The success of the appeal means we are able to roll the project out across the county quicker than we expected, which is great news.
“I would continue to ask people to send in their Bobby Buddy creations. Each bear could have a genuinely positive impact on a young child going through a difficult time.”
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “I would like to add my own thanks to those who have responded to this appeal, it is truly heart-warming. All those who have knitted the Bobby Buddies should be proud that their one small act of kindness will undoubtedly provide some comfort to a child in time of need, and I would encourage others to take part if they can.”
The Bobby Buddies pattern is available for download here
Any completed Bobby Buddies can be dropped off at any police station in Cumbria.
