The business that has already brought happiness to thousands and was backed by all five Dragons on Dragons’ Den is now launching Mood Bears that recite a poem to their owner.

Dragons’ Den-backed business Mood Bears is continuing its mission to provide valuable mental health support by launching new talking bears. Jo Proud, who owns Mood Bears, last month became the first Dragons’ Den contestant to accept the backing of all five of the current line-up of Dragons – Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Sara Davies, Steven Bartlett and Touker Suleyman.

Jo has created a collection of colourful teddy bears, each representing a different mood, in line with the moods and emotions experienced by everyone. All bears also come with an uplifting message and poem designed to help their owner cope with, and talk about, different emotional moments in life. The new Mood Bears’ talking bears – Hope Bear, Happy Bear and Calm Bear – go a step further by reciting their supportive poem to their owner. A video of the Hope talking bear can be seen here.

The first Mood Bear was created at a time in Jo’s life, when she struggled with her own mental health after going through a very difficult time. Since then, the bears have brought hope and happiness to thousands of people around the UK, and hundreds of bears have been donated to children’s hospitals, care homes and community groups.

Now, with the Dragons’ investment, Jo plans to expand the business and help bring a mental health boost to even more people around the world.

“According to mental health charity, Mind, 1 in 4 people will experience a problem with their mental health each year in England. I am one of those people and I know how hard it is to struggle with your mental health. That’s why I love these bears with all of my heart,” explained Jo.

“I drew the first Mood Bear at a time when I felt a real hopelessness about life, and I was struggling to see a way forward. When I had that one first bear made, it was the first time in months that I felt like smiling. Since launching the business, I’ve seen the bears have a similar impact on so many people; it’s just amazing that something so simple can make such a huge difference to how people feel.”

The new talking bears are made from recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. They’re suitable for ages three and over.

“Our new talking bears are a lovely extension to what we already offer and we know they’ll help and support people with their mental health in the same way that all of our bears do,” added Jo.

Mood Bears also offers the chance to sponsor a bear for local hospitals, with each donation helping a child or adult having treatment to take a Mood Bear with them on their journey, to comfort and support them.

To find out more about Mood Bears, visit www.moodbears.co.uk

The company will also be exhibiting at the Toymaster show in Harrogate this week, which opens its doors tomorrow, Tuesday 16th May and runs until the 18th.