Sometimes the smallest handmade items can make the biggest difference.  

At Early Childhood Health Services (ECHS), crochet blankets, twiddle sleeves and small teddies donated through Canberra Hospitals Foundation help bring comfort to families starting counselling. 

Cathy Mathieson from the Child and Family Counselling Team explains: 

“The twiddle sleeves are great for children with ADHD as they allow them an opportunity to quietly fidget and wiggle enabling them to ‘get the fidgets out of their system’ whilst we start to work with them.

Many of the children who come to ECHS have a background of complex family trauma and may have experienced  abuse, family violence and unsafe experiences.

These simple items can help children feel safe when beginning therapy, give busy hands something calming to focus on, and even provide warmth and comfort for parents attending appointments." 

To the incredible crafters who donate these items - thank you. Your handmade gifts bring warmth, comfort and smiles to families when they need it most. 

If you are interested in donating in-kind comfort items to the Donation Station, check out our wishlist!