Hooked on Crochet? Need to Knit? Fancy Felting?

Get involved in our Pocket Pals Project!

We are calling on all crochet enthusiasts, knitting wizards and creative souls to lend their talents in making small, handcrafted toys for survivors of sexual violence that access support here at SRASAC. 

At SRASAC, we stand beside survivors, offering a safe space for them to share their voices on their healing journey. Speaking out about experiences of sexual violence can be a daunting and deeply personal process. For many survivors, it takes time to find their voice or navigate their emotions.

That's where you come in! Your handmade creations will serve as more than just toys – they will be symbols of comfort and resilience for people accessing support with our service. Each stitch, each detail, is a testament to the love and support that surrounds survivors, reminding them that they are not alone. The toy will be theirs to keep, even after they end their support with SRASAC, to remind them of their strength and courage.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, your contribution makes a difference. Every toy you create becomes a beacon of hope and a source of solace for someone who needs it most.

How do I get involved?

We want each creation to be a personal display of your message to survivors, so we've tried not to put many restrictions on the project. You can use the guidelines below to get started:

• Each toy should be able to fit into a pocket, so something small would be great. This will help survivors feel comfortable carrying it around with them, such as to and from sessions as SRASAC.
• We ask that there be no text on your creation itself, but feel free to add a removable tag or something similar with a message from you.
• We want them to be appropriate for all so please refrain from nudity or inappropriate symbols. 

We don't have a closing date for this project, so feel free to craft and create at your own pace.

What can I create?

Opal the Octopus

We are honoured to have had a crochet pattern designed especially for us by the lovely Chelsea at @crochet.by.chelsea - Opal the Octopus! 

Chelsea is a talented crochet pattern designer and creator based in Sheffield, and designs and sells her own amazing crochet patterns on her Etsy page. She kindly reached out to us with a vision to create some pocket pals for us, working with us to design something that would bring comfort to our clients, create a pattern that other crocheters could follow to create their own Pocket Pals, and raise awareness of SRASAC - and so Opal the Octopus was born!

So far Chelsea has donated over 20 Opals to us, which have been very popular with our clients. In Chelsea's own words:

"The octopus symbolises resilience, bravery and survival throughout many different cultures and mythologies, so it felt only right to create one for the pocket pal project. Any octopus made with this pattern will be soft and easy to hold, with lots of legs to twirl and play with."

Opal the Octopus is a free-to-access crochet pattern and we welcome any keen crocheters who'd like to have a go at crocheting their own Opal.

Opal the Octopus (Crochet)

Other patterns

We've added some other links to some template patterns and tutorials below, but feel free to go rogue and channel your creativity however speaks to you!

Colourful Mini Dinosaur (Crochet)   Woobles Mini Penguin (Crochet) Botanical Buddies (Knitting) Fruity Friends (Knitting) Easter Bunny (Felt/Sewing) Elephant (Felt/Sewing) Woodland Mouse (Felt/Sewing)

I've created something amazing - what next?

When you've finished creating your toy(s), please post them to the address below. Do not attend this address in person.

FAO: The Business Team

SRASAC, Scotia Works, Leadmill Road, Sheffield, S1 4SE

If you cannot post your toy(s), please email [email protected] to make alternative arrangements.