Coronavirus: Teddy bear hugs offer support for children in lockdown

Nursery manager Caroline Easton got in touch with Julia Morton, founder of The Haven in Stonehaven, where the community knits teddies for trauma victims.

Ms Morton offered to donate 94 teddies, one for each child, to feel connected to the nursery while they were at home during lockdown.

Ms Easton said, ‘The children were missing their friends and the nursery staff and having a teddy to cuddle while they were watching us deliver storytime online and other sessions, I felt would help maintain the connection.’

Being interested in brain development research and positive mental well-being, Ms Easton was aware of the benefits that a simple hug can bring.

‘When you hug someone, certain hormones are released giving you a greater sense of inner calm and well-being,’ she said.

‘Never more so during this pandemic have families been kept apart and the simple act of hugging has been restricted – some can’t cuddle their grandparents anymore – and it’s this contact that bairns are missing most. I just thought it would be a wonderful idea if each bairn at the nursery could have their own special knitted teddy to hug,’ she added.

Ms Morton said, ‘Thank you for your interest in our flourishing teddy population in Stonehaven. We are delighted to hear that the teddies have found a new life in Orkney and made new friends. Our intention is to always nurture and empower community spirit but if that sparks opportunities in other communities, we are always happy to support in any way we can.’