TLC Essex launches online shop in 25th anniversary year

Teddies for Loving Care Essex goes digital, marking 25 years of delivering loving care when it matters most

As Teddies for Loving Care Essex (TLC Essex) approaches its 25th Anniversary on 12 March 2026, the charity has announced the launch of a new online shop designed to strengthen fundraising efforts and extend its reach across Essex.

For a quarter of a century, TLC Essex has provided its distinctive cuddly bears to Children’s Emergency Departments throughout the Province. Clinical staff distribute the bears at their discretion to children experiencing distress, pain or uncertainty. Healthcare professionals consistently report that the bears play an important therapeutic role — helping to calm anxiety, reward bravery, and provide a reassuring tool for demonstrating medical procedures in a child-friendly manner. In moments of fear, the simple gift of a teddy can offer powerful reassurance to both child and family.

Funds raised through the new webstore will help expand provision into Children’s Paediatric Wards across Essex. The shop offers a broad selection of TLC Essex-branded merchandise, including lapel pins, cufflinks, mugs, keyrings, clothing and gift sets. A dedicated 25th Anniversary range commemorates the longevity of the Appeal and recognises the community that has sustained it over the past 25 years.

The charity continues to benefit from the remarkable support of Essex Freemasons, their families and the wider community, with many Freemasons also volunteering their time to administer and promote the scheme. In addition, individual supporters contribute through the Patron Scheme by making regular payments, with recognition levels including Patron, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Acknowledgements range from certificates and commemorative pins for individuals to certificates and committee visits for Lodges, Chapters and groups.

TLC Essex is a registered charity (No. 1087765). Income generated through merchandise sales, patronage and donations directly funds the purchase and distribution of TLC bears to Children’s Wards and A&E Departments.

The new online store is now live at: https://shop.tlcessex.org.uk/