Helping Little Hearts Speak: How One Child’s Story Is Changing the Way We Talk About Feelings
One of those voices belongs to Daisy, a 9-year-old girl from Fairfield who lost her dad when she was just three. Like many children, Daisy struggled to make sense of her feelings. She didn’t always have the words, and like so many families, her mum didn’t know where to turn for help.
It wasn’t until Daisy joined a children’s counselling group at Teesside Hospice that things began to change. There, she found a safe space to talk, to listen, and to heal. And from that healing came something truly special: a storybook called “Hugsy Brightheart – The Missing Star.”
Hugsy is a cuddly bear whose belly changes colour to show how he’s feeling. Red for love. Blue for sadness. Pink for bravery. Grey for when you’re not quite sure. It’s simple, but it speaks volumes, especially to children who can’t always explain what’s going on inside.
Some children don’t say “I’m sad.” They show it in their behaviour. They might act out. They might go quiet. They might seem angry, tired, or just “not themselves.” That’s why tools like Hugsy matter. They give children a way to show how they feel, even when they can’t say it.
Daisy’s book isn’t just a story, it’s a message. A message that says: “It’s okay to feel. You’re not alone. And there’s always a way to be heard.”
As we continue our work in 2025 to improve mental health support for children and young people, Daisy’s story reminds us of what really matters:
- Listening early
- Creating safe spaces
- Using creativity to help children express themselves
- And making sure no child feels invisible in their grief
We’re so proud to share Daisy’s journey, not just because it’s inspiring, but because it shows what’s possible when we give children the tools and support they need to heal.
And it’s not just Daisy. It’s her mum. It’s the hospice team. It’s the community. It’s us.
Because teamwork really does make the dream work.
As a young-at-heart Nana, I’ve seen how tricky it can be for little ones to make sense of big feelings. My own grandson is learning new ways to express himself, and it’s been a beautiful reminder that communication isn’t always about words. Sometimes, it’s colours, cuddles, or characters like Hugsy. This story isn’t just for children, it’s for all of us who want to understand them better.
What colour is your heart today? Let it shine. Let it be seen. Hugsy style.
