RSVP West Region: Knitting Project

A large group of RSVP West volunteers knit a variety of items for babies and small children. A number of local and regional RSVP West organisers, led by Shirley Stark, are involved in supporting volunteers,

The cab of a fire and rescue appliance at the Cleveland Bridge station in Bath shows trauma teddies ready for action

collecting completed items and distributing them.

Several knitters specialise in what are known as trauma teddies—teddy bears that are given to children who have suffered some calamity, such as a house fire or a road accident. Some are provided to local ambulance and fire brigades. For example, the fire and ambulance station on the Cleveland Bridge in Bath (see left) regularly takes deliveries of them. They’re distributed amongst the various watches, both fire appliances and ambulances, and are used to comfort young children who have been involved in or affected by serious incidents.

Knitters also create blankets and baby clothes, mainly for premature babies. These are supplied to local hospital maternity units in Bristol and Bath. Because items must be laundered regularly and at high temperatures, they don’t last long, so the units are delighted to receive as much baby knitwear as RSVP is able to provide. Margaret Walters of Weston-super-Mare (seen right) is one of many volunteers involved. In the past six months, she has completed half a dozen blankets each three feet square. She’s delighted to be able to help. “I’ve plenty of spare time and I’m glad to be doing something useful.”

Blankets and baby clothes are also provided through local agencies such as the Southside Project in Bath to families in need. The project provides specialist help services to local families with seriously disorganised relationships or who are affected by the “ghosts” of their childhood, to strengthen their self-worth and independence.

Yet more go to Feed The Children, a charity that supports children in need in countries such as Nigeria and Pakistan.

We’re always looking for more knitters to meet the ever-growing demand, so please contact us if you would like to help.