Pudsey Bear, the much-loved mascot of BBC Children In Need, has broken his silence for the first time in over 40 years. The iconic bear, created in 1985 by BBC graphic designer Joanna Lane, stars in a new short film as part of a campaign for Mental Health Awareness Week, alongside Dexter Sol Ansell, known for his role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Pudsey Finds His Voice
The 30-second film, titled Pudsey Finds His Voice, features a conversation between Pudsey and Ansell. It aims to raise awareness of children's mental health and follows research by BBC Children In Need indicating that children who have someone to talk to are around nine times more likely to say they feel happy than those who do not.
Claire Hoyle, interim chief executive at BBC Children In Need, said: "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."
She added: "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."
New Funding for Mental Health Support
Alongside the campaign, BBC Children In Need is investing directly in early intervention, announcing £1.24 million in new funding for mental health support. This includes £745,000 to Mental Health Innovations, the charity behind Shout, to expand its free, confidential digital counselling service for 13–18 year olds, boosting volunteer capacity and upgrading technology.
An additional £500,000 has been awarded to The Children's Society to continue the Space to Grow project, which delivers accessible one-to-one, group, and peer-led support sessions in schools and local communities across the UK to improve children's emotional wellbeing.
Supportive resources to help parents, carers, and other trusted adults have positive conversations about mental health with children are available on the Children in Need website. Pudsey Finds His Voice is currently airing across BBC television and radio.
