Q: Why do you support the Buddy Bag Foundation?
A: I support The Buddy Bag Foundation because the personal act of kindness, of giving a child a buddy bag, is invaluable when they are arriving into emergency care. These few essentials aim to help towards restoring their sense of security in what may be a very confusing and scary time for a child.
Q: What made you get involved?
A: I heard about the scheme though the passion of the volunteers who told me about the great work the charity was doing. After attending a bag packing I saw what a positive thing it was for everyone involved.
Q: How are you able to support the charity?
A: The charity is supported by everyone’s belief in the work they are doing. Together, I hope that by talking about their work we encourage people to donate their time or products or money we can make sure that these children receive the kindness that so many of us want to show them in a difficult time.
Q: Is there anyone in your own life or you have got to know through your work that has been in such a desperate situation where a Buddy Bag may have been a great thing to receive?
A: I think it’s easy to see everyone needs some kindness when they are going through a tough time; it is so difficult for these children who may not understand the situation fully but still feel the effects of it. A Buddy Bag is a brilliant gift as it offers essentials like toiletries and offers that little bit of support that is specific for children in emergency care.
Q: Having played such hard-hitting roles in Three Girls and Cheat, can you think of any parallels with the work of the Buddy Bag Foundation and how this can help you see the organisation is making a real difference to children and women fleeing domestic violence?
A: It is so important to support women that are fleeing domestic violence. Depending on the situation, recognising domestic violence and then finding the courage to flee is a huge step to make which I think needs to be met with nothing but support. Buddy Bags are a basic step of necessary care that makes a huge difference in the lives of these women and their children.
Q: Do you find this a rewarding role?
A: The BBF does show you the impact that the bags have on the children through the postcards they can send back. I know this reaffirms the belief myself, the volunteers, and the charity are making a difference to these people’s lives at a difficult time. I support charities because I think their work is necessary, I would say I find the roles make me more driven to continue aiding their work in any way I can to make sure it continues.
A massive thanks to Molly for her time and support with this interview.
Alibi’s first original drama series Traces will premiere on Monday, December 9 at 9pm, with the second episode airing the following day.
