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Local stitching group gift handmade blankets to children in care

A local community group has kindly donated 20 hand‑sewn blankets to Somerset Council’s children in care.

The Polden Stitchers create patchwork quilted blankets for local good causes. The group has been running for more than two decades and now has 15 members who meet weekly to work on their own projects and occasionally take on a joint one. Over the years they have supported a children’s hospice, made masks and scrubs during Covid, created hats for premature babies and produced quilts for charities to raffle for fundraising.

This year, they chose to donate their blankets to Somerset Council’s children’s service because many children have very few personal belongings when they arrive in the council’s care. The group felt that a handmade blanket would offer comfort as well as something special for them to keep.

There are more than 650 children in need of homes in Somerset. The donation highlights the ongoing need for more foster carers locally and means some children in, or awaiting, foster care will receive a thoughtful, warm blanket made with care.

Cllr Heather Shearer, Lead Member for Children, Families and Education, said:

“It was a huge pleasure to meet the Polden Stitchers and see the skill and love that goes into their work.

“We are very grateful for this donation. These handmade blankets will be given to children aged 0 to 4 in our care, offering warmth and comfort at a critical time in their lives.

“This thoughtful contribution reflects the strong community spirit we are fortunate to have in Somerset, and it will be appreciated by the children, families and the teams who support them.”

Lynette, Chair of the Polden Stitchers, said:

“We were looking for a new group project when someone suggested that children in care might like a quilt they could call their own. We all felt it was a lovely idea and really enjoyed making the blankets together. The project brought a real sense of camaraderie and purpose to the group.”

Fostering in Somerset has previously received donations from the community, including chocolate gifts for children in care from AC Mole at Easter and Christmas. These acts of kindness help children feel valued and seen throughout the year.

Foster carers play an essential role by providing vulnerable children with stability and support. To foster, you need to be 21 or over with a spare room. Full training and support are provided, including a dedicated supervising social worker and weekly financial payments.

For more information, visit the Fostering in Somerset website or call 0800 587 9900.

If fostering is not possible, there are still ways to support children in care. The Route1 Advocacy and Independent Visitor Service  offers volunteering opportunities, from helping ensure a child’s voice is heard to spending time with them outside their foster home.