FireAngel has partnered with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service to sponsor its popular Trauma Teddy community initiative throughout 2022.

First launched in 2018, the campaign involves a Buddy Bear being given to young children who may have witnessed or been involved in an incident that has caused distress, pain or trauma, to help diffuse painful memories, whilst also providing a keepsake from the firefighters who helped them.

Over the last three years, Buddy Bears have been given to children across Derbyshire who have been involved in upsetting incidents, including house fires and road traffic collisions. The latest partnership will see the continuation of the campaign throughout 2022 to provide children with the support and comfort they require.

Lee Jones, Watch Manager at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As an emergency service, we’re very focused on people involved in emergencies, talking to them and explaining what’s happening and how we’re there to help, however it can be very difficult to build a quick rapport with children.

“Using a buddy bear can help quickly break down this barrier and help try to take their mind away from the traumatic situation they may be in. The bear is theirs to keep, which hopefully works as a positive influence.”

The latest partnership forms part of FireAngel and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service’s longstanding relationship, which recently included FireAngel’s sponsorship of the Fire and Rescue Service’s annual awards ceremony, which honoured the 77 individuals who achieved good conduct and long service throughout 2020 and 2021.

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