.jpg)
Gallagher Bassett (GB) has expanded its Gentle Bear program to the Northern Territory, supplying Territory Families with stuffed bears to help comfort children who are experiencing a traumatic situation.
Established in September 2016, Territory Families is a government agency that provides family services.
Earlier this week, John McNamara, GB Australia CEO, and Georgie Burchill, agency relationship manager, visited Territory Families to donate an initial 50 toy bears. The bears will be handed out by the organisation’s front-line staff as part of care packs to children who could use a Gentle Bear hug.
“Our team members based at the Northern Territory believed that collaborating with Territory Families was a priority, so we are all delighted that this partnership has come to fruition and to be expanding our work into care and protection agencies,” Burchill said. “We have been receiving positive feedback with Northern Territory front-line workers telling us that they can instantly see the relief on the child’s face when they provide them with one of our bears.”
“The Gentle Bear project is a fantastic initiative and we welcome any opportunity to help children feel safe and supported in a crisis situation,” said Jeanette Kerr, deputy chief executive at Territory Families. “These bears will not only make a difference to the children but to the dedicated front-line staff who work tirelessly to help ensure the best for our Territory children.”
