Advocates for housing come together to back kids escaping household violence
At the annual Housing Community Summit in Liverpool, the Buddy Bag Foundation received overwhelming support from senior leaders in the housing sector. The charity, founded by Karen Williams OBE in 2015, is dedicated to providing essential items to children fleeing domestic abuse.
The event saw the attendance of key figures such as Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation; Elly Hoult, President of the Chartered Institute of Housing; and Kirsty Wells, Chair of Women in Social Housing (WISH) Scotland. Each expressed their admiration for the Buddy Bag Foundation's work and felt inspired to host similar initiatives within their own organisations.
Chris Sutton, Head of Business Development at Fortem, also expressed his support for the Buddy Bag initiative, stating it provides immediate help to families in crisis. The initiative was carried out in partnership with housing provider Places for People and contractor Fortem.
The Buddy Bag Foundation's efforts have become increasingly vital, as an estimated 48,000 children enter emergency care in the UK each year. Each 'buddy bag' contains 12 essential items, including toiletries, pyjamas, socks, books, stationary, and a hand-knitted toy. These bags are distributed to children through women's refuges and emergency housing services.
Greg Reed, Group CEO at Places for People, emphasised the transformational impact of a Buddy Bag on a child entering emergency housing. He highlighted that these bags not only provide practical items but also a sense of comfort and normality during a difficult time.
Since its inception in 2015, the Buddy Bag Foundation has delivered over 70,200 backpacks with the help of more than 6,400 volunteers. Karen Williams OBE, the founder, expressed her gratitude for the strong support from housing leaders.
Greg Reed, too, highlighted the importance of the housing sector's involvement, saying, "We have the power to make a real difference in the lives of these children, and it's our responsibility to do so."
The event marked a significant step forward in the Buddy Bag Foundation's mission to support children fleeing domestic abuse, with the housing sector pledging its continued support.
