Stitching Comfort for Kids

Every Wednesday, a group of Watchem women meet at the Watchem General Store to socialise while knitting trauma bears to comfort local children during medical appointments.

Formed earlier this year, the group has welcomed five members and donated around 10 trauma bears to the Birchip Medical Clinic.

Group member and Watchem General Store owner Heather Jones said the bears were designed to help ease children’s nerves during medical appointments.
“The bears are for the little kids, so when they go and get needles they’ve got something to hold on to,” Heather said.

“It’s something they can cuddle and release a bit of that trauma within themselves.”

The group initially knitted blankets for hospital patients before deciding trauma bears could provide comfort to children attending medical appointments.

The bears are made using donated wool, with members also purchasing materials themselves when needed.

Heather said the group not only gives back to the community but also provides an opportunity for locals to connect.

“People can come and chat. They don’t always have to knit,” Heather said.
“It provides an opportunity to get out of the house for a couple of hours.”

Members said the group had become an important social outlet in Watchem, where there are few organised opportunities for people to get together.

Veronica Sullivan returned to Watchem five years ago and recently joined the group despite never having knitted before.

“It means I can learn to knit and chat with the locals when they come through the door,” Veronica said.

While members enjoy the chance to spend time together each week, they hope the trauma bears they create will provide comfort to local children when they need it most.

The group meets at the Watchem General Store every Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and welcomes anyone interested in learning to knit, with all materials and guidance provided.