Knitting Huggy Hope Bears for charity

By Frank Neill

Churton Park Crafters have just knitted 86 Huggy Hope Bears for charity.

Their initiative came after Knitworld put out a flyer in January asking customers to make 5,000 Huggy Hope Bears for the organisation I Am Hope.

I Am Hope is going to use the bears in their “Little People, Big Feelings” programme that they run in schools.

This programme has a focus on mental health.

“Little people, Big feelings” sees I Am Hope ambassadors come into primary schools with their colourful children’s books to connect with their youngest kids.

They cover everything from understanding bullies to overthinking, doubt and distress.

By combining this context with their ambassador’s lived experience and classroom conversations, they can bring their messages to life.

While mental health struggles are not new, they are new to young people.

This is why I Am Hope works to deliver mental health education in language young children understand, from people they can relate to.

By being vulnerable about their own experiences, students are reassured they’re not alone and it’s safe to discuss their feelings. It is about stopping the silent struggle, normalising the conversation, and being honest about the ups and downs of life.

Self-doubt and distress grow over time when they are not addressed.

“We know supporting and investing in our youth can stop this cycle, and forever change the way New Zealand approaches mental health,” I Am Hope says.

Their Ambassador Sammy reads the books, talks with the children, answers questions and teaches them some breathing techniques for when they are struggling with their emotions.

“Passing on a Huggy Hope Bear to leave behind for any child who may be experiencing a difficult time in their life would be such a wonderful gesture and would be a reminder of the tools they have learned on their visit, hopefully bringing them comfort in their difficult moments outside of school,” I Am Hope says.

Churton Park Crafters meets every Monday afternoon at the Churton Park Community Centre.

The crafts include knitting, crocheting, tapestry, cross stitch and embroidery.

Many members make their crafts for their own families but they also support The Nest Collective, Little Miracles Trust and Kiwi Community Assistance.