PM praises Jeanne for helping vulnerable women

A FRAMPTON Cotterell woman has been recognised by the Prime Minister for her work in supporting vulnerable women in the South West.

Jeanne Long launched ‘Happy Handbag’, an initiative which uses donated handbags that filled with essential items and distributed to vulnerable women across the South West, in 2016.

Among the people the scheme helps are women fleeing domestic abuse, homeless, or leaving prison.

The bags contain items including hygiene products and little luxuries such as make-up to help restore their confidence.

They are distributed to people who need them across the community via public service providers.

Jeanne also gives talks to local women’s groups and since the pandemic has started to build a network for donations so people can more easily provide items.

Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall, who presented the award to Jeanne at his constituency office, said she was the first South Gloucestershire resident to have received a Points of Light award from Rishi Sunak.

The awards scheme was first launched by David Cameron in 2014 to highlight the UK's inspiring and ground-breaking volunteers.

The awards are decided directly by the Prime Minister and recognise individual volunteers who make outstanding contributions to their communities.

In a personal letter to Jeanne, Mr Sunak said: "For someone going through the toughest of times, an act of kindness can make all the difference. That is why your idea is so powerful.

"You have reached out to thousands of women across the South West, just when they need it the most.

“By giving the gift of a handbag, filled not just with essentials but make up and other luxury items, you have helped those women to rebuild their confidence.”

Mr Hall added: “It was an absolute honour to be able to present the Prime Minister’s award to Jeanne, recognising all the incredible work she has done to reach and support so many vulnerable women in the community.

“Jeanne embodies the compassion and kindness of the South Gloucestershire community, and as a leading light, thoroughly deserving this award."

Jeanne said: "It was good to meet with Luke and have an opportunity to discuss the work Happy Handbag does for vulnerable women throughout South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Bristol.

"I was delighted to receive this award and am grateful to all those who continue to support the work of Happy Handbag in the South West"

For more information about Happy Handbag or to donate items, visit the website www.happyhandbag.co.uk.