Over 500 responses were received to the STARS Dorset appeal for knitters to make Trauma Teddies after it was published in the popular local community magazine in July.

Natalie Giles, head of Adult Counselling & Support Services at STARS, said: “It’s been an amazing story and after Dorset View’s news piece we had a phenomenal number of requests for knitting patterns. So far, we’ve had about 500 bears just from the Dorset View piece.”

These little bears are used to bring comfort and help soothe children who have been referred to the charity. Therapists found that holding a teddy helps to calm a distressed child, which creates a sense of safety and stability. STARS was keen to provide such a teddy for every child who wanted one.

Following the article, STARS received more than 500 responses and have knitters close to home and as far afield as Sydney, Australia working to support people in recovery.

The story gained even more traction, featuring in a recent BBC South news item.

Helen Stevens, STARS Dorset CEO, said: “We’ve been completely blown away by the generosity of so many different individuals who have so kindly knitted or crocheted teddies for us.

“It’s been a phenomenal community response and we never imagined how this simple concept would bring so much delight to so many different people. Thank you to all those who have supported us.

“And thank you to the team at Pulford Publicity for their continued support of the work of STARS Dorset.”

Dorset View’s editor, Janine Pulford said: “We have supported STARS Dorset for many years and will continue to do so. These endearing little bears have won our hearts in the office so keep a lookout for more STARS Dorset trauma teddies in our upcoming issues. We are even going to have one ‘working’ with us for a while. We hope readers will enjoy finding out what our teddy gets up to.”

STARS is still in need of knitted teddies as they have hundreds of young people waiting for counselling, and they can be given a Trauma Teddy as a comfort while they are on the waiting list.

If you are interested, please email info@starsdorset.org and request a Trauma Teddy pattern or call STARS on 01202 308840 for more information.

STARS is a pan-Dorset charity that offers one to one support, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their life. The telephone support line is 01202 308855. Please do not ring this number for the teddy bear pattern.