The Hamilton Bear Project is an exciting initiative that connects Birkenhead’s hidden historical ties to Peru with a fun, creative experience for young people and their families. We're targeting 50 young people and their parents/carers, benefiting at least 100 people. Our project is all about inclusivity, focusing on SEND families, low-income households, and those on the CAMHS waiting list.

Why is this important? Birkenhead has a unique link to Peru, especially with the story of Admiral Grau and the Huascar battleship, celebrated by a little-known plaque at Monk's Ferry. We’re taking this fascinating history and making it come alive through Hamilton Bear, our fictional Andean bear named after Hamilton Square. With the buzz around the new Paddington movie, we're turning the spotlight on the real Andean bear and Birkenhead’s connection to Peru.

Our project will feature a vibrant family event at Bloom Building—a space that’s perfect for SEND families to feel at ease and which we've used many times before. We have a volunteer Peruvian Zoologist who will help us focus on the animals and culture of Peru. Young people through surveys and small groups have told us they love learning about animals, so we have additional buy in. Plus, young people can join a comic strip competition to decide the next chapter of Hamilton Bear’s adventure!

We’ve tried other grants and sponsorships without success, so your support is crucial to keeping this project free and accessible to those who need it most. We’ll work with SENDLO, The Positivitree, and CAMHS to ensure we reach underserved families. We’re also working with local youth groups to get their input and make sure the project, and the comic competition, is something they’re excited about.

In short, the Hamilton Bear Project is all about bringing history to life, celebrating culture, and having loads of fun along the way. With your help, we can make this a reality for the families who will benefit the most!