For years, students in Year 12 from Bexley Grammar have participated in the prestigious Young Enterprise competition. Young Enterprise is a charity that’s determined to give young people the opportunity to develop life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving to give us the knowledge & confidence we will need to have a chance in the changing world of work.

Over the last few years, we’ve noticed how stress and anxiety are affecting an increasing number of people in our school. We’ve noticed how more and more students are suffering in silence. How many people struggle with these feelings but often hesitate to seek help due to societal stigma and the distorted perception that it would be a sign of weakness.

We wanted to create something that could offer comfort. That could be a starting point for those struggling to take control of their mental well-being. Something that could take the weight of anxiety off your shoulders. Something that would be the first step in the journey of mastering mental well-being, that would let you enjoy the fullest that life has to offer.

And that’s how we came up with Heavy Hugs.

We saw how weighted blankets were becoming increasingly popular in helping people with anxiety or ADHD sleep more easily and wondered if we could apply the same concept to teddy bears. Whether we could make a weighted teddy bear that would provide comfort in a more personal way.

But for heavy hugs,  it’s not simply a stuffed animal — it’s a warm friend that’s always there for you, no matter the time or situation. It’s a friend that will be there without you having to ask for it.

Research confirmed our idea through studies on the effects of deep pressure stimulation: the weight provides a calming effect, simulating a mother holding a child, activating the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. In situations of panic or high stress, pressure stimulation helps slow the heart rate, steady breathing, and ease symptoms of anxiety.

For parents, we can only aspire that our weighted Teddy Bear can be a tool for you to help comfort your children during the hard moments and offer a way for you to say that ‘Everything is going to be okay,’ even without words.

Even though our journey has only just begun, we have already learnt so much more than we expected. From brainstorming ideas to designing and testing prototypes, every step has been a learning experience.

We’re very grateful for the opportunity to learn and to make a difference and we’re determined to give it all we’ve got.

So, for us, this isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about creating a movement.

Anxiety and stress shouldn’t be obstacles to enjoying life, especially for children.

By supporting Heavy Hugs, you’re not just buying a teddy bear; you’re joining us in our mission to make a difference.

We invite you to take that step with us.

Share our message, tell a friend, or come visit us at Old Spitalfields Market on the 25th February from 9:15am - 3:30pm. If you’re interested in learning more about our bears or placing an order, contact us via our social media links below (website coming soon).  Together, we can help children — and adults — find a little more comfort in their lives. Let’s make this world a more huggable place, one bear at a time.

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Young Enterprise Team, 2025