Senior leaders from across the housing sector came together at this year’s Housing Community Summit in Liverpool to fill 200 charity backpacks for children entering emergency housing.

The event was hosted by national charity the Buddy Bag Foundation and housing provider Places for People and sponsored by social housing maintenance contractor Fortem.

It drew support from 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.

Along with a total of 30 delegates, they individually packed 192 Buddy Bags to support children forced into emergency housing due to domestic abuse.

The Buddy Bag Foundation is a volunteer-led charity and was founded by Karen Williams OBE 10 years ago.

Each bag is filled with 12 essential items and small comforts including toiletries, pyjamas, socks, books, stationery, a hand-knitted soft toy and a special message for mum, before being donated to women’s refuges, offering comfort, dignity and a sense of safety at a difficult time.

Since 2015, over 6,400 volunteers have packed more than 70,200 back packs to support some of the 48,000 children entering emergency care in the UK every year.

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 PfP, 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, added: “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.”

The event highlighted how collaboration between housing organisations and the third sector can create meaningful social impact, with many delegates expressing interest in hosting future Buddy Bag Packs within their own organisations.

For more information on how to get involved or host a Buddy Bag Pack, visit: www.buddybagfoundation.co.uk