About Bags of Hope UK

Bags of Hope UK is a registered charity (registration number: 1179378) which aims to improve the experiences of children and young people in the care system. 
We recognise the difficulties that children and young people face throughout their time in care, and we want to help make this a better experience.
In March 2019, there were 6,845 looked after children in Wales alone.
Many children who grow up in foster care will have experienced numerous placement moves, potentially resulting in separation from siblings, moving schools and disruptions to attachments and social networks. These are only a few of the issues experienced and there are a number of children's charities which exist to address these already.

Our charity was established in February 2017 to address one key issue. 
Often, children and young people are moved with their personal belongings stored and transported in bin liners and shopping carrier bags. This often happens as a result of limited resources, ongoing pressures for professionals and the nature of emergency transitions. Children and young people tell us that this contributes to the stress and anxiety about moving as they fear that their possessions, which may remind them of life prior to foster care, may become lost or damaged. We are also told that this makes children and young people feel like rubbish and that no one cares. We feel that children, young people and their belongings should be treated with dignity and respect. 
What we provide

Bags of Hope UK provides bags, suitcases and holdalls for children and young people that can be used throughout their journey in the care system. These items will belong to the young people and must not be kept by the foster carer or professional. The hope is that this will prevent moves where belongings are transported in bin liners and shopping bags.  We also provide toiletries and comforting items such as toys, colouring pencils and reading books.

We currently have funding to provide this service in South Wales only, and are not able to offer this in other areas at this time.

News and Updates
Bags of Hope UK
Jess, one of our trustees and her partner, ran 104 MILES within 24 HOURS in aid of Bags of Hope UK!
Nyas
We are currently working 
in partnership with NYAS Advocacy Service to engage with young people.
BBC Cymru has recently written an article about our service. Click here to read.
Thank you!
Taffs Well RFC Ladies have kindly donated £500 which enables us to deliver a pilot project in South Wales.
The Big Lottery has kindly awarded Bags of Hope UK 
with £5,000 to provide bags and suitcases for children and young people across South Wales.
We received a donation of £200 to trial a project in which we provided children and young people with necessities such as toiletries, colouring books, toys etc.
Our trustees Daniel and Lisa appeared live on Prynhawn Da recently to talk about the service.
Click here to view.
Greggs Community Fund has provided us with £2,000 to provide essential items such as toiletries, toys and colouring books for children and young people across South Wales.
Support for Children and young people
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