Schoolchildren from a primary school in Stanford in the Vale enjoyed a special treat to mark Teddy Bears’ Picnic Day, thanks to support from local housebuilder Barratt Homes and the village’s independent Stanford Coffee Shop.
The event saw 30 pupils and three teachers from Stanford in the Vale Primary School head out for a sunny lunchtime picnic under the shaded trees of Stanford Millennium Green. They enjoyed a lunch catered by the coffee shop and funded by Barratt Homes, which is currently building new homes in the village at its River Meadow development.
Organised to coincide with this year’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic Day – an initiative jointly run by Bear Force and national children’s charity KidsOut – the picnic gave the children a chance to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time talking and listening with their peers, all while accompanied by their favourite cuddly companions. Amanda Willis, Headteacher at Stanford in the Vale Primary School, said: “The children and staff had a wonderful time on their Teddy Bears’ Picnic.
“They were so excited to bring in their teddies, get a lunch box and sit on the Millennium Green to eat it. It was lovely to see their big smiles and hear their happy chatter and laughs. It was a really kind gesture by Barratt Homes.”
Bear Force is encouraging families and communities to use the occasion to ‘walk and talk’, with a focus on listening to what’s on children’s minds. The campaign also supports fundraising for resources to help parents and carers whose children may be struggling with their mental health.
KidsOut, which supports more than 20,000 disadvantaged children across the UK each year, also backs the initiative. The picnic was part of Barratt Homes Southern’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it builds in.
The housebuilder also covered the cost of a special lunch from Stanford Coffee Shop – a business it has previously partnered with on community competitions and events. Jo Hickling, Director at Stanford Coffee Shop, said: “It was a real joy for Stanford Coffee Shop to be part of such a heartwarming event that brought smiles to so many young faces.
“We’re proud to support our local community and to play a small part in encouraging children to connect, share, and enjoy the outdoors together, especially with their teddy bears in tow.” Campbell Gregg, Managing Director at Barratt Homes Southern, said: “Helping children to enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories is something we’re passionate about.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Stanford in the Vale Primary School and Stanford Coffee Shop on this fun and meaningful event, and we’re proud to support an initiative that raises awareness of children’s mental health and wellbeing.” The picnic follows another successful community initiative in June, when Barratt Homes treated two lucky competition winners to places at a hat box arrangement workshop, run in collaboration with Stanford Coffee Shop.
