whg Shows Bags of Kindness to Families

• 22nd May 2020

Archive

whg is working with partners across Walsall to distribute 1000 bags of kindness to children and young people who may be more vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.

The leading Midlands landlord has joined forces with Walsall Council, Walsall For All and Youth Connect to deliver the packs which are filled with essential items along with messages of support.

The bags contain stationery to help the children complete school work, lots of creative art materials, family games to promote positive mental health  and activities which encourage a positive mind set. The bags also contain information about COVID-19 which is written in a way that young people can relate to.

The kindness bags are being distributed to low income families through Youth Connect and Walsall Council’s community support hubs, which have been set up to help Walsall residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

Head of Health and Wellbeing Connie Jennings said: “Promoting positive mental health in children and young people is always important but is critical at this time.

“Children who live in families who are struggling anyway will be even more vulnerable at this time. Many are reliant on school meals and their families may not have the means for effective home-schooling, or the savings to stockpile food and necessities.

“These packs aim to make life that littler bit easier for these children, by providing equipment they need to continue with home learning, along with other items to ensure they are not disadvantaged further by the crisis.”

Councillor Garry Perry, portfolio holder for resilient communities at Walsall council added: “The impact of COVID-19 has affected many lives and we want children and families to know that the council, whg and our many community partners will continue to prioritise and provide tailored support to those who need it most.

“We are all in this together and the fantastic community spirit I’ve already seen alongside the structured support from whg, our partners, residents and business communities is the mark of a resilient community that is there for everyone.

“These wonderful bags of kindness evidence this and will brighten the lives of many children and their families in lockdown.”

The community support hubs offer practical help with shopping, picking up prescriptions, food parcels, advice on financial help and reassurance. They can be contacted on 0121 380 6690 or by emailing COVID-19communityhelp@walsall.gov.uk