Welcome to this special edition of our Fostering South West newsletter
We’re thrilled to announce in this special edition Fostering South West newsletter that Mood Bears have joined with Fostering South West in a brand partnership. This collaboration marks a really exciting time for fostering in our region with the increased opportunities this partnership brings with it, read on to find out more. Below you can also find details of our next virtual awareness events.
Spotlight on our partners: Mood Bears
We are delighted to introduce you to Mood Bears, our wonderful partners who provide emotional support tools for children. Each Mood Bear represents a specific emotion, helping children express and understand their feelings in a fun and accessible way. These bears are a fantastic resource for foster families, aiding in the emotional well-being of the children in care. You will notice our mascot, Hope, appearing regularly across the south west region and working alongside our local council partners.
Why Mood Bears and fostering?
Each Mood Bear represents a specific emotion such as hope, happiness, sadness, or nervousness. These bears are brightly coloured and have the international symbol for their respective mood embroidered on their feet. This makes them easily recognizable and relatable for children, helping them to identify and communicate their feelings when otherwise they may not be able to.
“We share this commitment to supporting children’s emotional well-being, making this partnership with Fostering South West a natural fit“
Joanna, mood bears founder
How do Mood Bears help?
Enhanced Emotional Support: Many children in foster care have experienced trauma or emotional distress. Mood Bears provide a non-verbal way for these children to express their feelings, making it easier for them to communicate their emotions and receive the support they need.
Educational Tool: The bears serve as a teaching aid, helping looked after children and their caregivers learn about different emotions, feelings, and moods. This educational aspect is incredibly beneficial in creating an environment where children feel understood and supported.
Inclusive Communication: Not every child has the language skills to articulate their feelings, especially those who have faced challenging circumstances. The recognisable colours and symbols of the Mood Bears make emotional expression accessible to all children, regardless of their verbal abilities.
Strengthening Foster Family Bonds: Using Mood Bears can help foster families bond with the children in their care. By using the bears as a medium for communication, foster parents can better understand the emotional needs of the children, fostering stronger, more empathetic relationships.
Mental Health Awareness: This partnership also raises awareness about the importance of mental health and emotional wellbeing in foster care. It highlights the need for tools and resources that support the mental health of both children and adults in these environments.
What does this all mean for local council foster carers in the south west?
- Special discounts: Enjoy unique discounts on Mood Bears products, making it more affordable to bring these comforting companions into your home.
- Engagement Opportunities: Participate in special events and activities organised in collaboration with Mood Bears, designed with you at heart.
- Emotional Support: Access resources and tools provided by Mood Bears to help looked after children express and manage their emotions effectively.
On top of this, keep an eye on our social media for competitions and chances to engage with this partnership, wherever you are in your fostering journey.
Come along to our next virtual awareness event
Have any questions about the work of fostering south west, or like to hear about fostering in more detail? Then please see the dates below for our next virtual awareness events. No need to register, just click the appropriate link at the time the event is due to start and you’ll be able to meet members of our team and existing local council foster carers. No matter where you are in your fostering journey, these events are for you.
Thank you to those who came to our last virtual awareness events, it was lovely to have engaged conversations with so many of you.
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