Speaker Jeanne Louise Long.
Happy Handbag is a local charitable cause, created in 2016 in the West Country. Its goal is twofold (i) to support women and families in need (ii) to promote a very basic concept of help, and understanding, for women in crisis that can be utilised anywhere. There are no ‘conditions’ attached to the distributing of Happy Handbag other than they are handed out by Service Providers, charities supporting women - currently in Gloucester, Swindon, Bristol, Cirencester, Bridgwater and Newport. Happy Handbag has no direct contact with the recipients of the bags. Big Yellow Self Storage in Gloucester support Happy Handbag with the use of a storage unit for bags waiting to be filled. https://www.bigyellow.co.uk/gloucester-self-storage-units . This was essential through Covid and they still give the crucial much needed space for storage. Happy Handbag scheme has evolved to include ‘Happys’ these being much needed bags of clothing (including underwear which is often forgotten about), bedding etc, which are also given to the Service Providers to distribute. The majority of donations come from women’s groups such as the WI – Women’s Institute’s, Pilates and other such groups around the Gloucester and Bristol areas along with a few collection points in the local area. On hearing about Happy Handbag some ladies arrange collections amongst their friends to donate. More information can be found on www.happyhandbag.co.uk where there is a breakdown of the number of Happy Handbag and ‘Happys’ given out and a list of those donating. Happy Handbag has progressed to the point of being in the 2023 Kings Birthday Honours List, being awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) For charitable services to Disadvantaged People in Bristol, Gloucestershire and Swindon, also receiving a Points of Light certificate from the then PM Rishi Sunak.
Jeanne Louise Long B.E.M.

This talk will take place on the first floor of the University Centre for Student Life (room 1.26 / 1.27)