‘Worry Worms’ have become a popular addition at Walsall CAMHS, by helping young people manage their emotions while raising money for good causes.
The colourful little crocheted creatures were introduced by Natalie Guy, a mental health nurse at Walsall CAMHS.
After finding out that a young person she was supporting enjoyed crochet, Natalie used the hobby as a way to build up a therapeutic relationship with her, helping the young person to engage with treatment.
The duo worked on patterns together and the idea of the Worry Worm popped up. Each worm has a poem attached and is a soothing tool to encourage the young person to hold their Worry Worm if they are feeling anxious or upset.
The Worry Worm helps children to personify their concerns and feel more able to tackle them. It helps them to learn to manage their worries in a healthy way, rather than suppressing them, helping children to feel more in control of their emotions and less overwhelmed by them.
The first batch proved massively popular and were snapped up by visitors at the Walsall CAMHS home at Canalside. The team then decided to ask for a voluntary donation for the Worry Worms to help local good causes.
Parents and carers contributed and young people across the service got involved by taking up a new hobby of crocheting to make more worms.
Natalie said: “It started with a young person who really struggled to engage. She loves to crochet so as a way to build a therapeutic relationship I bought some for myself and she taught me how to crotchet.
“It’s been a lovely project to be a part of. The young person has now completed treatment and has been discharged too.”
The project is ongoing, and the team recently made a donation of £80 to Black Country Women’s Aid thanks to the generous donations of young people, parents and carers picking up a Worry Worm.
Emma Fletcher-Lee, service manager and clinical lead for Walsall CAMHS, said: “Worry Worms have taken off in Walsall, all thanks to the introduction of Nat Guy and a merry band of crocheters. This project exemplifies the compassion and thoughtfulness that the team at Walsall CAMHS put into their work, putting the needs and interests of children and young people at the centre of their care.”