Introducing Bear, the Children's Story Helper

At Care Opinion Canada we are committed to involve all Albertan’s in telling their healthcare stories. For our younger storytellers, we’ve created a special helper. Meet Bear — a friend with a heart as big as the mountains, who loves listening to children’s stories. Bear helps kids find their voice and reminds us that every experience matters in building better healthcare in Alberta. You can find Bear on our Home Page, just under our Feature Stories. Click on “Tell your story with help from Bear” to begin.

Bear is here to lend a helping paw so your child can share their healthcare experience.

Together, you’ll move step by step through the storytelling journey. One very important question Bear will ask is: What’s Your Story?

Maybe someone helped your child feel better. Maybe they really liked something a nurse or doctor did — or maybe they didn’t. Whatever the experience, Bear is ready to listen. Sharing these stories helps children feel brave, and it helps others understand their perspective. Your child should not use their name, and you are welcome to assist them. We care deeply about protecting both you and your child’s anonymity. This is a safe space to share meaningful feedback.

As you follow Bear’s prompts, simply fill out the information together. If your child is too young to explain their feelings, or prefers pictures, don’t worry — there are icons available to help them tell their story. We also ask a few demographic questions to support accuracy in moderation. These details are never shared publicly.

Before the story is complete, Bear will ask how your child felt. This is their chance to share all the feelings they experienced — big or small. The final step is giving your consent. Once that’s done, your story will be sent to our moderators for review, following our Moderation Principles. By using Bear, children can safely share their healthcare experiences in their own way. The voices help us better understand what care looks and feels like from a child’s perspective — and that feedback makes a real difference.

Bear can’t wait to hear your stories!