Isle of Wight children in care get ‘giving bags’

More than 180 ‘giving bags’ have been distributed to youngster in care on the Island — thanks to a new Isle of Wight Council partnership.

Children’s services on the Island have teamed up with Madlug (Make a Difference Luggage) to distribute bags to children in care across the island.

The bags themselves are unbranded, meaning youngsters can carry their belongings free of stigma and with dignity.

‘The compact bags are held by social workers so they are available to a child at the earliest opportunity,’ said children in care service manager, Debbie Price.

‘There are a variety of reasons why a child may need the care and support of their local authority. Often it is because they have experienced some form of neglect, trauma or abuse.

‘Isle of Wight Fostering are committed to supporting children in care and believe no child should ever feel ostracised.’

Madlug, a community interest company, has been supporting organisations and charities since its launch in 2016. It has donated more than 20,000 bags to children in care across the UK.

The organisation manufacture and sell a variety of luggage, from bum bags and backpacks to laptop cases and cabin suitcases.

For every bag purchased with the code IOWCARES2020, Madlug will pledge a ‘giving bag’ to an Island child in care. For more information, visit https://www.madlug.com/pages/our-story 

A representative from MadLug said: ‘Every one of our customers has purchased a Madlug bag because they believe that children and young people in care are incredible.

‘We are excited to be able to partner with the Isle of Wight Council to enable their young people to have proper bags when they move placements. The team there does a super job and is a credit to themselves and the community.

‘We look forward to a continued partnership into the future and again thank our amazing customers for helping young people in care move with dignity.’

Photo Credit – OnzeCreativitijd (Pixabay)