Build-A-Bear and Barnardo’s have partnered to support young carers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is giving more than 7,000 teddy bears to Barnardo’s young carers in December and is donating £1 to the charity every time someone buys a purple satin heart for their bear in store. In addition, every time a shopper buys a gift card worth £10 for £5 during November, the company will donate a teddy to the Barnardo’s Young Carers’ programme.

A selection of young carers will also be invited to a Build-A-Bear Workshop store to take part in group bear-making activities.

Barnardo’s chief executive, Javed Khan, said: “At Barnardo’s we help young carers and their families get the support they need and are entitled to, providing opportunities for them to meet other young carers and share experiences. It’s so wonderful that Build-A-Bear Workshop is thinking of young carers at this difficult time of year.”

Gina Collins, Build-a-Bear Workshop chief marketing officer, said: “Our Merry Mission campaign and partnership with Barnardo’s encourages guests of all ages to give back to their communities. Doing something for others while you shop is an easy way to make this Christmas a little brighter for children and young people in Barnardo’s Young Carers Programme.”