MORE THAN 75 nursery children in Reading are taking part in a nationwide fundraiser as part of a Children in Need wellbeing appeal.
Youngsters from the Busy Bees nursery centres in the town will join fellow attendees from branches across the country as part of the Giggle-a-thon campaign.
The campaign, launched by Pudsey Bear and comedy duo LadBaby, sees participants singing humorous songs, playing games, taking part in creative activities, and hearing comedic stories in aid of Children in Need.
It also aims to promote the importance of laughter and humour for the positive mental wellbeing and development for children, which Busy Bees includes as part of its curriculum to encourage curiosity.
Figures revealed by the Guardian last year show that a child is referred to mental health services for anxiety every three minutes in England, as one in five now face mental health struggles.
Action Mental Health published research which shows that laughter not only supports children’s cognitive and emotional development, but also helps to regulate their emotions, supporting their happiness and their health.
Jenny Shaw, Academic Lead at Busy Bees, said: “We believe all babies and pre-schoolers should be happy, curious and have days filled with laughter, so what better idea than to raise funds and awareness than by laughing as much as possible.
“Our Bee Curious curriculum is underpinned by scientific research that prepares children for a lifetime of joyful learning, having LadBaby bring their brand of silliness and joy has shown us all how wonderful and contagious children’s laughter is.
“We’re proud to be supporting Children in Need and shine a light on the importance of mental wellbeing in early years.
“Together, we’re helping to lift the emotional load for children and families by supporting vital services. If we can put smiles on lots of faces and get as many people as possible to donate what they can, we’ll have succeeded.”
Claire Hoyle, Director of Income Generation and Engagement at BBC Children in Need, said: “The Busy Bees Giggle-A-Thon is a wonderful initiative that not only raises vital funds but also highlights the importance of happiness and emotional support for young children.
We are thrilled to see so many children and staff coming together to giggle for a good cause.”
Mark and Roxanne Hoyle, of LadBaby said: “Our channel was created with one simple goal in mind: to make people laugh and have fun.
“It’s amazing to be part of such a fantastic cause, using humour to bring joy to children while also fundraising.”
Details about the campaign, including how to support fundraising efforts, are available via: justgiving.com/campaign/busybeescin
More information about Busy Bees is available via: busybeeschildcare.co.uk
More information about Children in Need is available via: bbcchildreninneed.co.uk
