A community project to share messages of hope, encouragement and belonging has been launched this week as part of Children’s Mental Health Week (9 – 15 February).
‘Letters to Our Children’ is inviting Bedfordians to share a message with the younger generation in response to the question: what are the words we wish every child could grow up hearing?
Created by Sophie Whelan, director of CIC Bright Emotions, alongside Lauren Troiano, founder of The Little Marketing Company and Richard Boyden from The Nomad Dads Society CIC, the project aims to inspire a feeling of pride in Bedford’s younger residents.
Taking its inspiration from Stephen Graham’s ‘Letters to Our Sons’, the project will create a powerful public display of support for the younger generation.
Selected letters will be featured in an interactive display at The Arc on Howard Street, designed to remind every child in Bedford that they matter, they are loved, and they belong. They will also be featured anonymously on the collective’s social media accounts.
Postboxes were featured at The Arc, Kings House and Project 229, and the initiative has received over 50 letters so far. There is still time to submit your letter by email to letterstoourchildren@hotmail.com.
“The world and life can often feel overwhelming and scary, and it’s so important for children (and adults) to know they have safe spaces, support systems and kind communities around them,” said Sophie.
“There is so much good, hope, and joy to be shared, and I hope this project brings our community together to remind us that we all have a place where we belong, in Bedford and beyond. Your letter could change a life…so write one”!
If you’d like to participate, please send your letter to letterstoourchildren@hotmail.com.
