A new fund has been launched to help UK families who have escaped domestic violence access vital supplies to start afresh.
It comes from a Midlands’ charity which has already provided more than 70,000 emergency packs for children in refuges over the last ten years. As the fund gets under way, its aim is to help more than 1,000 children in 2026.
Through the fund, families can receive essential supplies including beds, cots, home furnishings, and study equipment.
The Buddy Bag Foundation (https://buddybagfoundation.co.uk) is extending its support beyond refuges to help families fleeing violence at home build a new future.
The Buddy Bag Fund is now helping parents access vital supplies, equipment, and furnishings to help kit out a new home to start afresh.
They are also introducing a new, fold away bag they hope can give children more hope and dignity when having to escape a traumatic situation.
Charity Co-founder Karen Williams OBE said: “We are providing essential items for children and families beyond the Buddy Bags
“Every item helps restore a sense of safety and security into a child’s life, ensuring they have the essentials to thrive in their new environment.
“The Buddy Fund is a meaningful pilot initiative supporting families who need a little extra help when leaving the refuge and moving into their own accommodation. After an initial trial period, it is now live. This fund will ensure that children receive the vital support they need during difficult transitions, creating a lasting legacy of care and comfort.
“It’s a simple process for families in women’s refuge to complete an application form when they are moving to permanent accommodation.
“Buddy Bag Foundation’s long-term legacy is to operate sustainably without its founders. The launch of the Buddy Fund is a key step in this direction. “
Building on our commitment to children in crisis, we are trialling the launch of our Buddy Fund which provides additional essential items beyond Buddy Bags.
The Buddy Fund is a meaningful pilot initiative supporting families who need a little extra help when leaving the refuge and moving into their own accommodation. This fund will ensure that children receive the vital support they need during difficult transitions, creating a lasting legacy of care and comfort.”
She added: “Far too often, children in care are moved from one placement to another with their belongings stuffed into black bin bags.
“This isn’t just impractical — it’s deeply damaging. According to the National Youth Advocacy Service, four in five children in care have had their belongings packed into bin bags.
“This reinforces feelings of disposability, instability, and worthlessness
“The Buddy Fold Away Bag is a dignified, practical, and compassionate alternative to the bin bag — thoughtfully designed for young people in the care system.
“Each bag carries a message for each child: You are awesome, strong, brave, loved.
“There are currently 107,000 children in the UK care system. One child enters care every 15 minutes.
“Some 80% move with bin bags and 60% lose or damage their belongings
“This bag isn’t just for carrying clothes and keepsakes. It’s about carrying dignity, security, and hope.”
More information about the BBF Fund: https://buddybagfoundation.co.uk/buddy-fund/.
More details about the fold away bag: https://buddybagfoundation.co.uk/buddy-fold-away-bag/.
