Hooked on Crochet? Need to Knit? Fancy Felting?

Get involved in our Self-Soothe Bags Project!

At SRASAC, we support survivors of sexual violence and abuse, offering a safe, confidential space for clients to be able to talk about their experiences and how they are affecting them. Small, comforting objects, such as a smooth stone, a soft fabric scrap, or a favourite scent, can offer real grounding and comfort during difficult moments. We want every client we support to have a special pouch of their own to keep these items in.

That’s where you come in!

We’re asking our community of crafters to help us create Self-Soothe Bags – small, hand-made pouches that our clients can keep their personal sensory items in.

For a survivor of sexual violence, having something that’s truly their own, and is chosen, personal and safe, can be a small but meaningful part of recovery. A handmade pouch made by someone who cares is a quiet reminder that someone, somewhere, was thinking of them.

You may already be familiar with our Pocket Pals Project, which has been a firm favourite with supporters and clients alike over the last couple of years! Self-Soothe Bags aren’t intended to replace Pocket Pals - think of it more as a companion project. In fact, clients are welcome to tuck their Pocket Pal inside their Self-Soothe Bag if they'd like to.

What we're looking for

We welcome pouches of any size, colour or pattern – your creativity is part of what makes each pouch special. We’ll pair each pouch with a little card suggesting items the recipient might like to fill it with, so you don’t need to add anything inside – just the pouch itself.

A few simple guidelines to keep in mind:

• As a guide, pouches roughly the size of a small pencil case work well, with enough room to hold a few small comfort items.
• They can be knitted, crocheted, felted or sewn, and can fasten however suits your pattern: drawstring, button, zip or simple fold-over.
• We ask that there be no text on the 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 inappropriate symbols or imagery.

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

Pattern ideas

Not sure where to start? Here are a few pattern ideas to inspire you, but feel free to go rogue and channel your creativity however speaks to you!

Free Pattern Ideas

I've created something amazing - what next?

When you’ve finished creating your pouch(es), please post them to the address below. Please do not attend this address in person unless previously agreed with a member of the SRASAC team.

FAO: The Business Team

Scotia Works,

Leadmill Road,

Sheffield

S1 4SE

If you cannot post your pouch(es), or you have any questions about getting involved in the project, please email [email protected]