Jack Brereton MP welcomes Stoke-on-Trent charity Bear Force and KidsOut to Parliament. After meeting charity founder Richard Bland in November last year, Jack Brereton MP arranged for the charity, alongside CEO of KidsOut Sara Williams, to meet Mr Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, and visit No.10 Downing Street.
Local Meir Park resident, Richard Bland founded the charity in 2023 following the loss of his son Andrew. Bear Force is a charity supporting children’s mental health by providing simple tools that encourage them to talk about their worries. It also highlights the importance of adults providing the time and safe places for children to talk and be heard.
The charity’s famous book, ‘‘Bear Force’’ written by Richard, is based around a little bear called AB and his adventures. Thousands of copies of the book have been sold and used to encourage children to express their feelings and for children to look out for their peers who may be sad.
AB Bear has had some amazing travels around the world accompanying the likes of H.R.H Prince William, the RAF, the Army, several international and UK airlines, well-known charity fund raisers, children’s charities, and mental health charities on their journeys.
Bear Force work with several charities and organisations including KidsOut who help the UK’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable children with positive and happy experiences.
Last week, AB Bear, Bear Force and KidsOut were able to visit the Palace of Westminster, and No.10 Downing Street to raise further awareness for their causes.
Jack Brereton, Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent South said:
“I had the pleasure of meeting Richard back in November last year, where he told me about the fantastic work his charity is doing supporting young people’s mental health and suicide prevention, also about the travels of AB bear."
"Bear Force do amazing work to help support young people in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, and have been working in partnership with charity KidsOut to help even more young people with their mental health. I was delighted to welcome them all to Parliament to further increase awareness about their important work."
"I look forward to working with Richard and Sara in the future to support their amazing work supporting young people.”
Richard Bland, Founder of Bear Force said:
“We are grateful for the time Mr Brereton has given to our cause to raise awareness of the importance of supporting the mental health of younger children who require a different approach to that currently provided to older children.”
“This lack of support can result in preventable suffering later on in childhood and subsequently adulthood. As half of all mental health conditions established before the age of 14 and mental health being the single largest cause of disabilities in the UK, there is overwhelming evidence for providing suitable, age-appropriate support for all children at the earliest opportunity.”
“We hope as part of our work that we can also draw attention to the thousands of very vulnerable children who have been affected by domestic abuse, including emotional, violent, and sexual abuse, many of whom receive no support at all.”
Sara Williams, CEO of KidsOut said:
“We are delighted to collaborate with Bear Force, enhancing our wellbeing programmes for children who have fled domestic abuse and those facing disadvantage. With our expansive reach, leveraging our network to offer holistic support and positive experiences to more children giving them hope for the future.”
“I extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Brereton for his unwavering support and the opportunity to share our mission, rallying people to our cause.”
“It reinforced our commitment to advocating for the needs of vulnerable children and amplifying their voices on a national level, together, we will continue to be champions for the most vulnerable, disadvantaged, and often overlooked children in the UK. Our dedication remains steadfast in reaching and making positive changes to their lives."
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