Pudsey Bear, the beloved mascot of BBC Children In Need, will speak for the first time in over 40 years as part of a new campaign aimed at encouraging children to discuss their mental health. The yellow bear, known for his colourful bandana, stars in a short film titled Pudsey Finds His Voice, which delivers the message that every child deserves an adult who will listen.
Since his creation in 1985 by BBC graphic designer Joanna Lane, Pudsey has been a silent but iconic figure in fundraising and volunteer activities for children and young people. Now, breaking his long-standing silence, he engages in conversation with actor Dexter Sol Ansell in the 30-second film. Co-produced by BBC Creative and Blinkink, the film is part of BBC Children In Need’s campaign for Mental Health Awareness Week. It urges adults to take responsibility for children’s mental health by highlighting the importance of having someone to confide in and share worries, concerns, and feelings.
Research Highlights the Need for Conversation
The campaign is backed by research from Children In Need, which found that children who often have someone to talk to are approximately nine times more likely to report feeling happy than those who do not. Additional research commissioned from Censuswide revealed that 24% of children keep their worries to themselves, while 38% say their worries have made life less enjoyable or caused them to stay silent out of fear or embarrassment. These findings underscore how many children are struggling silently.
Call to Action for Adults
Claire Hoyle, interim chief executive at BBC Children In Need, stated: “Our research makes clear that far too many children and young people are carrying their worries alone, and that silence can have serious consequences for their mental health. We know the difference one trusted adult can make. When a child feels heard, it can change everything – helping them cope earlier and stopping problems from becoming more serious. Pudsey has stood alongside children for over 40 years, and now, for the first time ever, he’s finding his voice. Pudsey is finding his voice because too many children feel they can’t share what they’re going through, and too many adults aren’t sure how to start that conversation. This campaign is a call to adults. It’s on all of us to create the moments, ask the questions, and really listen – so children feel safe to open up.”
Children In Need has also announced an investment of £1.24 million in mental health support for children and young people, providing funding to charities including Mental Health Innovations and The Children’s Society. Pudsey Finds His Voice will air across BBC television and radio from Monday, with a premiere on BBC One’s The One Show at 7pm.
