THEY are not a toy, or just for children, but something of comfort and protection – a part of psychological healing.
Small, colourful and soft, the StandBy Support After Suicide comfort teddies have helped many people throughout the region affected by suicide – something to hug and hold closely when going through the healing process.
Delivered to families all across the South East, the bears are handed out to those who have lost a loved one to suicide by coordinator Tracey Wanganeen and her colleagues.
“Some of the staff originally felt a bit uncomfortable giving the bears to adults, because in most cases teddy bears are toys,” she said.
“But these teddies are different, the purpose of them is for comfort.
“We gave one to a very elderly man not long ago and he was absolutely wrapped in this teddy – they really do make a difference.”
Counting a total of 100 teddies, local resident and knitter Joan Button is one of the small group of dedicated knitters to thank for the cute and cuddly creations.
“I thought I would make two or three, but now I’m addicted,” she said.
“I give them all a little cuddle before I put them in the bag – they go out with love.”
Spending hours upon hours knitting the bears, Ms Button said she now follows a special routine when making them.
“It probably takes around four or five hours to finish a bear – I’m not the fastest knitter,” she admitted.
“I always try and make them look the same, but they turn out different – I think that is nice though, they are individuals.
“As long as they are smiling – that is the main thing.”
Seeing and hearing the difference these teddies make, Ms Wanganeen said she was grateful for the continued support of knitters such as Ms Button, who dedicate much time and effort.
“When I was being trained I was told that a big burly truck driver had lost his son to suicide and had not spoken to anyone for a couple of days because he was so distressed,” she said.
“Apparently when Standby staff gave him the bear he was able to start talking and to this day – which is many years later – the teddy still sits on the dash of his truck.
“I really appreciate the ongoing support of Joan and the other ladies in creating the teddies, it is such a nice feeling knowing that people are willing to help out.”
StandBy Support After Suicide will host a time for reflection in Mount Gambier on Tuesday in conjunction with International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.
A quiet time for those affected by suicide to reflect and speak to others who may be in a similar situation, Ms Wanganeen said postvention support is very important and brings down the risk factor of further suicides among family and friends.
“Any person impacted by suicide becomes eight times at higher risk of suicide themselves, it puts them in that risk phase,” she said.
“What we say in StandBy language is any one death to suicide is one too many.
“The biggest thing we can do is help with the help seeking.”
The International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day reflection time will take place on Tuesday at the Refective Garden at Vansittart Park from 5.30pm.
Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services are available on 131 114 and StandBy Support After Suicide on 0437 752 458.
