On Friday 27 June, the Glasgow Science Centre was buzzing with excitement (and bubbles!) as kinship care families from across Scotland came together for Bear’s Bubbletastic Picnic—a joyful indoor celebration of connection, calm, and community. Now, we had hoped for sunshine… but in true Scottish fashion, the weather had other ideas. So, we brought the fun inside—and honestly, it made the day even more special. The space was filled with laughter, colour, and the kind of magic that only giant bubbles and happy kids can create.
At the heart of the day was something really important: self-care and self-management skills. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re lifelines. Through our Looking After Your Family and Self (LAFS) programme, we’re helping kinship carers build the skills and confidence to look after their own wellbeing, so they can better support the children they love. Bear’s Big Adventure Days, including this picnic, have grown from the LAFS programme—bringing those essential self-care messages to life in the most joyful, hands-on way possible.
Bubble Breathing and Giant Smiles
The highlight? Our giant bubbles—big enough to stand inside! Children and adults alike were mesmerized as they stepped into shimmering spheres of joy. We also had bubble trumpets, a fun and calming way to practice bubble breathing—a gentle technique that helps us manage emotions and feel grounded.
Play, Learn, Connect
From laughter-filled games that encouraged teamwork and resilience, to quiet moments of reflection and connection, the day was a beautiful reminder of the strength and spirit of Kinship families. It was a space where everyone could feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
One young attendee, Effie-May, shared what the day meant to her:
“Days like today are really important because I get to meet kids who are just like me!”
A Kinship Carer also reflected on the impact of the day:
“Events like Bear’s Picnic are really important. It can feel quite lonely being a Kinship Carer, but on days like this, we get to just relax, meet new people, and feel seen and heard.”
A Message from Our CEO
Helen Forrest, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Health Scotland, shared her thoughts on the day:
We are so grateful to our funders and supporters for making days like Bear’s Picnic possible. A huge thank you goes to Cash for Kids, whose support also meant every child had a healthy, delicious picnic—and any leftovers were happily taken home by families to enjoy later. These events aren’t just about having fun (though there’s plenty of that!)—they’re about creating special memories and friendships that last. When children are asked, ‘What did you do during the summer holidays?’, we want them to have joyful stories to tell. But there’s something even deeper happening too. Children and adults are learning essential self-care and self-management skills—tools they can use in their everyday life. That’s what makes Bear’s Big Adventure Days so powerful. We’re especially thankful to Glasgow Science Centre for being such a brilliant partner and providing an inclusive, accessible space where everyone could feel welcome. At Children’s Health Scotland, we believe every family deserves a fantastic summer—and thanks to the support of our funders, we’re proud to help make that happen.”
Thank You to Our Supporters
We are deeply grateful to our incredible supporters who made this day possible:
- ALLIANCE Scotland
- Cash For Kids
- The Robertson Trust
- The Scottish Government
Your support helps us create magical moments like these—where families can come together, recharge, and feel the power of community.
