Groups sew sensory bears for children in care

Jean Sampson recruited her sewing team the Bridge View Quilters to make sensory bears and fellow Saltash group the Brunnel Quilters joined in

Two sewing groups saved the day after a therapy team ran out of sensory bears to support the children it works with.

Cornwall Council's Family Plus Team has seen an increase in demand for the bears after it extended their use from children with special guardianship orders to all children in care.

The "think-feel-do" bears help young people explore their experiences and identities and learn healthy ways to cope with their emotions.

The Bridge View Quilters and Brunnel Quilters, from Saltash, worked together to create 82 new bears.

Alex Halsey said he has 'seen first-hand how the bears can take a huge weight off a child’s shoulders'

Alex Halsey, who manages the Family Plus Team, contacted his grandmother, a member of the Bridge View Quilters, to help recruit the sewers.

Almost 50 sewers spent more than 160 hours making the soft toys.

Mr Halsey said: “The bears have special patches on their heads (representing think), hearts (representing feel) and on their paw (representing do), helping children identify and express their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours."

He said the bears were particularly effective for young people who have experienced trauma and separation.

“Every single bear has been made with such love and care, and they are so much more personal and unique than anything mass-produced," Mr Halsey added.

"I’ve seen first-hand how the bears can take a huge weight off a child’s shoulders so I know they will make a big difference.”