Girlguiding brings bags of comfort for those in need

Girlguiding brings bags of comfort for those in need

Girlguiding groups from all over the Lancashire South East County have been working together to provide some of life’s home comforts for those who find themselves unexpectedly in hospital, either as a patient or relative.

The concept of a comfort bag is to provide patients and visitors, who find themselves in hospital unexpectedly, with some of life’s day-to-day comforts. A typical bag will contain toothpaste, toothbrush, soap and shampoo. Other life comforts have also been added including hair brushes, deodorant, tissues, notepad and pen.

The initiative scheme which started as a way to contribute back to the community has quickly gathered pace following the terrible events in Manchester. Girlguiding groups of all ages ramped up their efforts to resupply the depleting stock of comfort bags held in hospitals.

Having started off as Girlguiding volunteers and members providing all parts of the Comfort Bags, a recent push online has led to many others joining the cause. Companies, both big and small, have been providing full comfort bags or the items to fill bags through selfless donations from employees.

Originally setting a target of 1,000 comfort bags for local hospitals; Girlguiding Lancashire South East is on track to smash that target due to the increasing offering of aid from the general public, local businesses and other charities.

Naomi Sanderson, County Comfort Bag coordinator, said: "I'm absolutely overwhelmed by the response to the comfort bag campaign from both within and outside of Girlguiding. People within communities all around the county have been so generous. Schools, workplaces and even businesses have become involved. Never did I imagine anything as tragic as the events in Manchester would be the reason the comfort bags would be so valuable but it's been moving to see how people from all across our communities have pitched in to help."

Girlguiding Lancashire South East will be continuing its efforts for the foreseeable future and will aim to support the local hospitals with comfort bags.

If you, or your business, would like to assist email:

media@girlguidinglancsse.org.uk