BBC mascot Pudsey to speak for first time in over 40 years

Children In Need mascot Pudsey Bear will break his silence in a short film to help raise awareness of children’s mental health.

The 30-second film, Pudsey Finds His Voice, will be released as part of a BBC Children In Need campaign for Mental Health Awareness Week.

It will feature a conversation between Pudsey and actor Dexter Sol Ansell.

BBC Children In Need mascot Pudsey will speak for the first time in over 40 years in a new short film (Image: PA Wire)

BBC mascot Pudsey to speak for first time in over 40 years

The new short film was co-produced by BBC Creative and Blinkink and will urge adults to support children’s mental wellbeing by listening and engaging in meaningful conversation.

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.

“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.”

Pudsey Bear, created in 1985 by BBC graphic designer Joanna Lane, has long served as the face of Children In Need and its fundraising efforts.

The new campaign follows research by BBC Children In Need, indicating that children who often have someone to talk to are around nine times more likely to say they feel happy than those who do not.

Additional research commissioned by the charity revealed that 24% of children keep their worries to themselves, while 38% say those worries have made life less enjoyable or caused them to stay silent out of fear or embarrassment.

In support of the campaign, BBC Children In Need has announced it will be investing £1.24 million in mental health support for children and young people.

The funding will benefit charities including Mental Health Innovations and The Children’s Society.

Pudsey Finds His Voice will air across BBC television and radio from Monday, and will premiere on BBC One’s The One Show at 7pm.

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