CHILDREN from the Vale of Glamorgan who have suffered a bereavement recently were among those invited to a special evening at Cardiff’s Build-A-Bear Workshop where they could choose and dress their own individual bear to take home.

The treat was organised thanks to a partnership between the Build-A-Bear Workshop in St David’s shopping centre and Barnardo’s Cymru which runs the Cardiff and Vale Child and Family Bereavement Service.

The service supports families who have experienced a significant bereavement, trauma or loss. It uses therapeutic strategies such as one to one work, play therapy and creative group work to explore thoughts and feelings and help families manage their loss.

Jackie Vining, assistant director of Barnardo’s Cymru for Cardiff and the Vale, said: “All the children who participated had a wonderful time. As well as being great fun and hugely enjoyable, being able to utilise their creative skills in making and dressing their bears provided the children with a very practical way to express themselves and their feelings.

"The event had therapeutic benefits as well as being an outlet for the children’s talent and energy. The variety of bears and outfits produced were individual and wonderful."

Build-A-Bear Workshop is donating a total of 6,000 bears to Barnardo’s services across the UK this Christmas.

Roger Parry, senior managing director for Build-A-Bear Workshop in Europe, said: “We are honoured to partner with Barnardo’s and join them in supporting thousands of children across the UK.

"We hope to bring some extra Christmas cheer to the children this year, and make their days a little bit brighter."

Customers can make donations at till points from now until December 26.

Barnardo’s chief executive, Javed Khan said: “Christmas can often be a difficult time for the vulnerable children, young people, carers and parents we support each year.

"So it is wonderful that Build-A-Bear Workshop has given them the opportunity to create some special Christmas memories. We are also really grateful that they will be helping to raise money towards our vital services."