Parents and care-givers are often forced to leave home quickly, without being able to gather essential belongings. Buddy Bags contain items such as books, games, toiletries and pyjamas, helping children feel safe, supported and cared for during periods of uncertainty and upheaval.
The programme aims to provide a small but meaningful source of comfort while families access wider support services across the borough. Bags are provided discreetly through the Homeless Prevention team, ensuring dignity and confidentiality for families accessing support.
Cllr Pete Elliot, Cabinet Member for Housing said:
“When families are forced to flee domestic abuse, children often arrive in temporary accommodation with very few belongings of their own. Buddy Bags provide comfort, reassurance and a sense of normality at a very difficult time.
“These small acts of kindness can make a real difference to children experiencing trauma and uncertainty, and we are proud to work with The Buddy Bag Foundation to support some of our most vulnerable residents.”
Gold Standard
Only three other local authority landlords in London have been awarded the gold standard and Lambeth and the recognition places Lambeth among a small number of housing providers nationally who have demonstrated commitment to ensuring that every resident’s right to safety, secure housing and freedom from violence is upheld in practice, not just in policy.
Nicki Clarke, Head of Housing at Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) said:
“Achieving and retaining DAHA Gold Accreditation is a significant accomplishment and reflects Lambeth Council’s strong commitment to supporting residents affected by domestic abuse. Gold accreditation is awarded only to organisations that can demonstrate a truly embedded, whole-system approach, where policies, services and culture work together to prioritise safety, dignity and recovery for survivors.
“Throughout the accreditation process, Lambeth showed a clear commitment to continuous improvement, partnership working and survivor-centred practice. We were particularly impressed by the council’s focus on ensuring that domestic abuse is understood and responded to across housing services, rather than being seen as the responsibility of a single team.
“Lambeth’s work demonstrates what can be achieved when an organisation commits to lasting cultural change. We are pleased to be using elements of Lambeth’s approach, including its Sustainability Plan, as an example of good practice for housing providers across the country.”
