Teddy bears donated to help comfort children in distress

Hundreds of teddy bears are set to comfort children in distress, as part of a police initiative in Derbyshire.

The ‘Trauma Teds’, have been donated to local police, by Derbyshire’s Teddies for Loving Care (TLC), a charity set up to support young children who find themselves in traumatic incidents involving the emergency services.

Left to right – Neil Tomlinson – Chris Taylor – Chief Constable Rachel Swann – Michael Hitchcock

Derbyshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable Rachel Swann took delivery of the bears on Friday 3 February.

They will be placed in police response vehicles, for officers to give them to children to help calm or distract them during stressful situations such as road traffic collisions or domestic incidents. 

Neil Tomlinson, coordinator of Teddies for Loving Care Derbyshire, said: “We have previously worked with emergency departments at hospitals in Derbyshire, but when we were contacted by the Derbyshire force, we were pleased to be able to support the police as well.

“Sadly, we know that our emergency services personnel often come into contact with children who have either witnessed or been involved in a traumatic incident.

“We also know from experience that our bears can and do make a positive difference and I have every confidence that they will make a positive difference to those who come into contact with the police.”

Teddies for Loving Care is funded by Freemasons, their families, and supporters. Currently the charity has 47 regional TLC programmes across England and Wales.

Chief Constable Rachel Swann said: “I am delighted to be able to accept this kind donation and would like to thank TLC for their support and generosity.

“Our officers are already well-prepared for dealing with all kinds of traumatic incidents, but when it involves a child, having the opportunity to give them a teddy bear that they can keep, can make a huge difference by providing reassurance at a really difficult time.

“In the event that a child needs to receive one of these teddies from a police officer, we hope that they comfort children in Derbyshire, and leave them with a more positive experience.”