LOCAL MSP TAKES COMFORT IN TEDDY INITIATIVE

Today, Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie showed his support for the Comfort Teddies initiative.

The Comfort Teddies initiative is a partnership between Children 1st and local police stations, introduced by Longhaugh Police Station in Dundee, which works with the wider community in Dundee who knit teddies for young children.

These teddies are distributed by police officers in a wide variety of situations with children, as an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) aware approach to addressing childhood trauma. This local initiative is now being rolled out by local police and other emergency services across Scotland.

Mr Beattie commented:

‘This is a brilliant idea.

‘Not only will these teddies provide great comfort to children who’ve been through all sorts of trauma, but as they’re knitted locally this is a fantastic way to bring communities together.

‘This initiative also provides a means to overcome any perceived intimidation children may have when talking to police and other emergency services and will help them speak more freely.
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‘I will not comment as to whether I took my teddy home!’