Burdens lightened: Bags of love that can help people cope with loss

CRAFTED WITH CARE

Mothers’ Union members add love to the bags they make for the bereaved, homeless people and newly-released prisoners

Every year one in four people will experience a mental health problem.

By June 2020, twice as many people as usual reported experiencing depression, according to the Office for

National Statistics.

Research by mental health charity Mind showed that traumatic experiences, including bereavement, changes in physical health, social exclusion and discrimination, can increase the likelihood of experiencing mental health issues.

At Mothers’ Union, we aim to stand alongside anyone experiencing a crisis, and offer support while working to counter discrimination and social exclusion.

At a recent Stories of Change webinar, Mothers’ Union members from four of our five Britain and Ireland provinces shared the important and transformational impact a simple bag can have. We observe, listen and respond to people’s needs in this small, but significant way. For example, when people are released from prison, they are given a black bin liner for belongings, or a bag stamped with Her Majesty’s Prison.

In the Diocese of Newcastle, Mothers’ Union and the North East Prisoner After Care Society (NEPACS) provide Fresh Start Backpacks with toiletries, clothes, chewing gum, bus timetables and telephone numbers for those leaving prison.

Branches vary the design of the backpacks they supply, so that former prisoners will not stand out. According to Linda Benneworth, Action and Outreach Coordinator for Diocese of Newcastle, ‘the greatest benefit of our backpacks is for prisoners leaving jail who will be going into a hostel, where they really appreciate having a change of clothes and toiletries.’ They

“We aim to stand alongside people during these crises in life

help to restore the dignity of ex-offenders as they begin a new life in the community.

Mothers’ Union’s diocese in Ely, Cambridgeshire, supplies backpacks for homeless people in Wisbech. Members supply empty backpacks, local businesses fill them for people living on the streets. This partnership aims to show love, and to meet the basic needs of those facing adversity.

The Diocese of Ely also craft Blessings Bags, for local hospitals to hold the belongings of deceased friends or relatives. It feels a lot more personal than a plastic carrier bag, and has special pockets for valuables. It is a way of showing care and respect. Hazel Williams, Deputy President of the Diocese of Ely, said: ‘Nurses in the hospital who give grieving relatives the bags feel much better about passing on something handmade, rather than a plastic carrier bag.’

In the Diocese of Dublin & Glendalough, Bereavement

Gathered in: Bags made by members from the Diocese of Ely, Dublin & Glendalough members’ lock of hair pouches, and bags made for the Thorngate Churcher Trust in Gosport

Bags are crafted from cream cotton with a drawstring and the daisy motif, Dublin Children’s Hospital’s end of life symbol. Bereaved families fill them with mementos of their loved ones. The Dublin City Mortuary recently asked Mothers’ Union to supply Bereavement Bags, with a knitted teddy and blanket, to place next to any infant or child in their care. A morgue staff member said: ‘Care and dignity are of utmost concern for us with every person we treat… I saw your bag and thought it was very nice.’

Dublin & Glendalough members also make Locks of Hair Pouches. They were requested from the End of Life team in Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin. Families keep a lock of hair from the person who has died. They are mostly accident victims whose families have taken the decision to donate their organs.

Bags of Love or Comfort Bags are given to adults dropping children off at school or nursery for the first time. They usually include a tea bag or coffee sachet, biscuits, tissues and two prayers – one each for the parent and child. It’s a way of Mothers’ Union saying that they are standing alongside families at this major milestone.

So whatever the life event, Mothers’ Union members are there to step in to show love and thoughtfulness at a difficult time, give people dignity, and help individuals to feel cared for. They make what seems to be a simple everyday bag mean a great deal.