A Stitch Of Hope: Teddy Bears For Traumatised Children

We’ve uncovered another unsung hero from Sevenoaks, quietly and selflessly working to bring comfort and joy to those in need. As is so often the case with such remarkable individuals, they shy away from recognition, more focused on the good they can do than any desire for praise or glory… but we would like to acknowledge their good deeds by sharing with you all!

At 89 years old, Shirley is a dedicated member of the Sevenoaks Soroptimists group and has spent the last four years hand-knitting ‘trauma teddy bears’ – small, cuddly companions which are passed on – locally AND internationally – to traumatised children.

Soroptimist Sevenoaks (SI Sevenoaks)

For those unfamiliar with Soroptimist International, it is a globally recognised non-governmental organisation (NGO) and volunteer movement, founded in 1921, with the Sevenoaks club established in 1938. Its mission is to “transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment, and enabling opportunities.”

The name ‘Soroptimist’ is derived from Latin, where ‘soror’ means sister and ‘optima’ means best, loosely translating to “best for women.” Soroptimists are actively involved in community service projects, fundraising, and advocacy initiatives that support women’s issues both locally and globally, focusing on education, gender violence, healthcare, and economic independence.

Locally, the Sevenoaks Soroptimists are supporting charities such as Loaves and Fishes, Hospice in the Weald, and the Sevenoaks Women’s Refuge this year. You can learn more about their ongoing projects here.

On a global level, Soroptimist International holds consultative status with the United Nations, giving them a platform to engage in policy discussions around women’s rights and gender equality.

Sevenoaks Soroptimists. Image credit: sigbi.org/sevenoaks/

Trauma Bears To Comfort Children

There are very few things more morally reprehensible than the abuse and suffering of children.

Despite this being a universally shared value, child trauma occurs more than you think. The NSPCC reported in 2022 that half a million children suffer abuse in the UK every year. SAMHSA reported this year that more than two thirds of children reported at least 1 traumatic event by age 16.

Kinds of trauma these children might have experienced:

• Abuse and neglect
• Domestic violence
• Bullying
• Loss and bereavement
• Poverty and homelessness
• Parental substance abuse
• Exploitation and trafficking
• War, conflict, and refugee status
• Separation from parents
• Mental health issues
• Natural disasters and environmental trauma

The Initiative: Trauma Teddies Supporting Children

If only we had the power to end all suffering. What we can do, however, is offer comfort and respite whenever possible. That’s the goal behind the ‘Trauma Teddies’ initiative, which was launched during lockdown.

A simple teddy bear knitting pattern was shared nationwide, and Soroptimist members across the UK began hand-knitting these cuddly companions, delivering them to places where children in crisis might need them – refuges, police stations, hospitals, food banks, probation services etc. Many have even been sent to Ukrainian children.

In Sevenoaks, the West Kent Police Safeguarding Team has praised the teddies for being a valuable de-stressor for the children. One officer shared, “The children absolutely love them, and their faces light up when they realise they get to keep them.”

Original image source here.

About Shirley and her 600+ bears

Shirley is one of the few members who continues to knit Trauma Bears, spending many of her evenings with knitting needles in hand. To date, she has created over six hundred bears!

She estimates that it takes her about two evenings to complete one bear, from knitting to stitching it all together. The wool she uses is either bought herself or kindly donated by friends and charity shops with off-cuts. Truly, this is a labour of love.

But Shirley’s dedication doesn’t end there. She has been an active member of SI Sevenoaks for 35 years and currently serves as the Vice President of Leonard Cheshire Disability, part of the Leonard Cheshire charity. Before lockdown, she also volunteered at the Cancer Research charity shop on Sevenoaks High Street.

Earlier in life, Shirley worked as a physiotherapist, dedicating her career to helping others – a commitment that has truly spanned a lifetime. In fact, something we found particularly remarkable was that Shirley worked alongside Beatrice Wilson, the founder of Rockdale Senior Living Village. Beatrice even attended Shirley’s wedding! Beatrice is a local icon, well known for her contributions as a nurse during the war and her tireless work in the Sevenoaks community -and someone we’ve reported on before.

It seems only fitting that these two astonishing women would be drawn to one another.

Thank you, Shirley, and all the women of SI Sevenoaks – may your wonderful work continue for many years to come!