Senior leaders from across the housing sector came together at the Housing Community Summit in Liverpool to pack 192 Buddy Bags for children entering emergency housing.
The event was organised by the Buddy Bag Foundation with support from Places for People and Fortem.
Kate Henderson, CEO 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, joined 30 delegates to fill the bags.
The Buddy Bag Foundation, set up by Karen Williams OBE 10 years ago, provides essentials for children forced into emergency housing.
Each Buddy Bag contains 12 items including toiletries, pyjamas, socks, books, stationery, a hand-knitted toy and a message for mum.
The bags are given to women’s refuges to offer comfort and dignity to children at a difficult time.
Karen Williams, CEO and co-founder of the Buddy Bag Foundation, said: “It was fantastic to have such brilliant support from housing leaders packing our bags of love for kids fleeing to emergency accommodation.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better platform to connect our work with members of the housing sector, who are uniquely positioned to understand the vital importance of safety, security and home.
“Thanks to Places for People, Fortem and ACC Liverpool, we were able to make priceless connections, which I know will help us in our mission to rebuild the lives of the youngest, most vulnerable members of our communities.”
Greg Reed, group CEO at Places for People, said: “We’ve been proud to support the Buddy Bag Foundation since 2023, not only because it’s a truly worthy cause but because it aligns with our mission to build communities where everyone can thrive.
“The impact of a buddy bag on a child arriving in emergency accommodation is transformational. We’re grateful to everyone who gave their time to pack bags at the Summit, and we were delighted to play our own part in holding the event.”
Chris Sutton, head of business development at Fortem Solutions, said: “Fortem improves thousands of homes across the UK, and we see firsthand how important safe housing is for protecting vulnerable families.
“Going into emergency accommodation is a traumatic situation and The Buddy Bag Foundation does remarkable work giving children essential items and comfort during what are stressful times.
“That’s exactly the kind of initiative we want to champion.”
