Millie's Lockdown Rainbow Bears
Author: Ellie Compton
Published: June 19, 2020
After watching a programme on television that showed families visiting elderly relatives in care homes, former Scout Millie decided to do something to help others during lockdown.
Shielding routines meant that those who were more vulnerable had very little physical contact and no visitors inside their homes. When Millie saw the elderly relatives only able to watch their visitors through closed windows, she decided to use her sewing skills to make them a little friend to receive as a visitor they could welcome in.
Shielding routines meant that those who were more vulnerable had very little physical contact and no visitors inside their homes. When Millie saw the elderly relatives only able to watch their visitors through closed windows, she decided to use her sewing skills to make them a little friend to receive as a visitor they could welcome in.
Neil, Millie’s dad, is a leader at 27th Lincoln, Thorpe on the Hill where her younger brother is also a Beaver. Mum Laura, an occasional helper with the group, says, ‘Millie has a big heart and really cares for other people’s wellbeing. She’s made us very proud with her idea of wanting to help others who may be feeling lonely during these uncertain times.’
Calling them Millie’s Lockdown Rainbow Bears, each unique bear is made with a little rainbow heart and are donated free of charge. Millie hopes the bears will make their new owners smile, knowing that they are not alone and people out there still care about them.
Local donations of fabric are keeping Millie stocked with materials and she has already adapted her design to turn some of the tummies into pockets to hold photos and ‘memories’ for those recipients who might suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The family have been taking requests from people who may wish to nominate a care home or the name of elderly people who would love to receive a special bear hug in the post. Millie has so far sent 32 bears to Scarborough Hospice, 27 to a care home in Gainsborough and posted 18 individual orders – including a request from Australia for UK family members. Currently, Millie is creating 23 bears for a care home in North Hykeham and has a nomination waiting for 72 bears to another care home in Lincoln.
County Commissioner, Ellie Compton says, ‘This kind of initiative provides one of those moments that suddenly show how bright our young people shine in times of difficulty. Noticing problems, determining action and not shying from the sheer scale of making a difference. These little bears are sewn so beautifully around a stuffing of care and kindness that, in turn, can fill another person with love and hope. What an absolute superstar. Bravo, Millie.’
It was with great pleasure that Millie was registered as one of the Scouts 10,000 acts of kindness for care homes nationally.
Millie is happy to share her pattern, create an individual bear or group of bears to be sent to a nomination of your choice. If you would like to make a request or find out how you can donate funds for supplies or fabric to bring more bears to life, please email cc@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk
We’d love to share your story. If you have been busy while face to face scouting has been paused please let me know by emailing cc@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk
We’d love to share your story. If you have been busy while face to face scouting has been paused please let me know by emailing cc@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue: From the County Lead Volunteer Lincs Fest Kinder Hike Lincoln Pride Jamboree Young person Selection Splash Lincs
Bookings are now open! We are holding two Splash! days for the Scout section at Whitewater, near Stamford that will include Sailing, SUPs and paddlesports. These events are open to Scouts 10-14 years old. The events are only open to members of Scouts. You can book for 1 day or both days. The events are designed to get more experience or have a taste of watersports. The link to book is https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1533761886089?aff=oddtdtcreator
Apply now to be part of the Lincolnshire Unit & UK Contingent to the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland from 30th July to 8th August 2027. Is your birthday between 30th July 2009 and 30th July 2013? Do you want to have the adventure of a lifetime? Then apply now via the link below. https://forms.office.com/e/jzrW1JxiZk The deadline for applications to attend the selection event is the 30th September 2025. This is due to take place at Sudbrooke Camp Site on 4-5th October 2025. For any questions please contact international@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk We look forward to seeing you there, Georgia, Dawn, Kev and Shaun
Following a competitive selection process, I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Lincolnshire Scouts Jamboree Team: Unit Leader – Georgia Galloway (Stamford & Bourne) Unit Deputy – Dawn Fear (Lincoln) Team Member – Kev Wrenn (Lincoln) Team Member – Shaun Gill (Sleaford)
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue: From the County Lead Volunteer Vacancies in County Section Support Team Funding opportunities Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre - Available for Group Bookings World Scout Jamboree & International Trips Sensory bags Trustees needed
Charity Quiz - This quiz has been designed and written by the Youth Shapers. It’s purpose is to be used as a starter/game activity in a scouting meeting with the idea being that to participate all scouts would make a small charity donation.
What Trustees do, really makes a difference. Lincolnshire Scouts are looking for a new Trustee for a 3 year term starting from September 2025. We need your experience and wisdom to help us make sure we’re well governed and managed.
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue: From the County Lead Volunteer Brew It Forward Winners Announced! Chill Out - Groups and Staff Lincs Fest - Bookings open Inclusion Survey Join the Support Team New Lead Volunteer for Sleaford Needed From the County Youth Lead William Swift - Chief Scout’s Unsung Hero Award Winner Safety training Vacancies in County Section Support team National Scout Archery Competition
