Police in Castleford receive several teddy bears to hand out to distressed youngsters

Friday, 1 November 2019 10:16

Creative residents have engaged in an act of cuddly Castleford kindness by sending in scores of teddy bears for officers to give to children in distress.

Neighbourhood Policing Officers in Pontefract are now taking part in a ‘Bobby Buddies’ scheme after the Castleford Neighbourhood Policing Team has been besieged with bears sent in by knitting circles, coffee morning groups and wool shops for officers to give to youngsters.

The Bobby Buddy scheme was launched in Dorset and encourages residents to send in or knit teddy bears in police uniforms which officers can give to youngsters going through traumatic situations as a way of engaging with them and providing some basic comfort.

Children they have given the teddies to include young victims of domestic violence, youngsters who have missing relatives or have been bereaved or children taken into police protection.

Police Community Support Officer Hannah Scott, who helped implement Bobby Buddies project in Castleford, said: “We are really passionate about this initiative and really pleased to see it being introduced to the rest of district, helping more young children.

“The initiative helps us to promote early intervention from a young age and to encourage positive interaction with young people, assisting them at difficult times and realising that police officers are there to help them, are approachable and not to be scared of.

“The influx of bears we’ve had from residents really shows the huge importance of community engagement in the work we do.”

More from Local and National News

Appeal After Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in Bradford.
Have your say and help to build stronger communities in Calderdale

People in Calderdale are being asked to share their thoughts about how they feel connected to their local neighbourhood and the wider Calderdale area
Bradford to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Bradford City Hall is to be lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
New bridge and new routes now open as project progresses

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm