Buddy Bag’s mission to bring comfort to children in Emergency Care

Each year over 48,000 children enter emergency care, often with nothing.

Introducing, The Buddy Bag Foundation. A foundation that was created in response to the rising number of children in emergency care, often those fleeing violent situations at home. 

Restoring a sense of safety and security into a child’s life during a traumatic time is one of the first steps to recovery. By providing these children with a few essential items, Buddy Bag’s mission is to help make the transition into emergency care a little easier. 

To support children in this situation, Buddy Bag was created, to provide comfort when all else has been removed. 

Extending our support

Understanding the importance of their work and the impact they have firsthand within our own Communities, we took immense pride in providing a £9,000 grant from our charity, Places Foundation.
The funding will help to issue over 360 backpacks to children across the country. To celebrate the donation and boost awareness of the Buddy Bag Foundation, over 35 Places for People colleagues volunteered their time to join a "Buddy Bag Pack”, and pack 360 bags to give to children this month. 

Karen Williams, CEO of Buddy Bag Foundation said: 

“Our work aims to restore a sense of safety and security to a child’s life during a traumatic time which we believe is one of the first steps to recovery. This recent grant funding from the Places Foundation is gratefully received and will help us to continue our mission by supporting many more young people.”

About the Buddy Bag Foundation 

The Buddy Bag Foundation works directly with over 300 refuge centres across the UK to supply backpacks, including Places for People who provide supported accommodation services, safe housing, and additional support for domestic abuse victims. 

Marcus Hulme, Director of Places Impact at Places for People commented:

“We are proud to have been working closely with Buddy Bag Foundation and have seen first-hand the positive impact these backpacks can have on young people entering our emergency care supported accommodation services. The backpacks are vital in helping to restore a feeling of safety and security to a child in these difficult times. Through our independent charity, Places Foundation, we are delighted to be able to support incredible initiatives like the Buddy Bag Foundation with our time and funding.”

Each year over 48,000 children enter emergency care, often with nothing. A Buddy Bag backpack contains all the essential items a child needs including toiletries, pyjamas, socks, and underwear as well as comfort items such as a book and a teddy bear. The bags are tailored to suit babies, children, and young people according to their age groups and gender. 

Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has issued over 56,800 backpacks for children.

If you’re inspired to contribute, visit Buddy Bag’s website to learn more about the incredible work they do and how you can be part of a “Buddy Bag Pack” near you. Your involvement can help spread comfort and support to children navigating challenging times.