Police officers have given some suffering children a cuddly surprise, with a project which started in Capalaba.
More than 200 hand-knitted teddies were delivered to the Queensland Children's Hospital for kids receiving medical treatment.
The teddies were knitted and donated by local craft groups.
The Cops Care Teddies initiative is in its second year. It was started when the first bears were donated to Capalaba Police Station.
Capalaba's officer in charge, Senior Constable Vrinda McCauley, said she was inspired by the cuddly and generous solution to help children deal with traumatic events.
She said it was a unique opportunity for police to proactively engage with community members, particularly those who are having a rough trot.
"I started to approach craft groups around Brisbane and share my idea," Senior Constable McCauley said.
"These craft groups have since provided hundreds of beautiful, hand knitted teddies for police to distribute to children who need a cuddly friend.
"The smile on a child's face when they receive the teddy bear is priceless and it gives them a little joy when they need it most."
Not only do the teddies help police make a connection with vulnerable children, they serve as an emotional aid to distract a child's attention from the immediate distressing situation by providing a cuddly object for them.
Senior Constable McCauley said although the project was aimed to comfort children, she hoped her visit to the hospital allowed children to see police as safe and friendly people to talk to.
