A new fund has been launched to help UK families who have escaped domestic abuse to access vital supplies once they leave emergency accommodation.
The Buddy Fund comes from midlands-based charity, the Buddy Bag Foundation, which has provided more than 70,000 emergency backpacks for children entering refuges over the last ten years.
Buddy Bag Foundation is now calling for philanthropic help from the housing sector for its newly launched Buddy Fund.
The fund will support families to access funding for essential supplies including beds, cots, home furnishings and study equipment when they move from emergency accommodation into a more permanent home.
It aims to fund 300 applications in 2026 and help 1,000 children. However, with each application costing £500 and the fund being 100% funded through donations, the charity needs to raise at least £150,000 to meets its goal.
The Buddy Bag Foundation’s long-term legacy is to operate sustainably without its founders. The launch of the Buddy Fund is a key step in this direction.
Karen Williams OBE, CEO and co-founder of the Buddy Bag Foundation, said: “A child’s bedroom should be a place of safety, comfort and belonging. The Buddy Fund will support families who need a little extra help to make this a reality when leaving a refuge and moving into their own home.
“After an initial trial period, we’re proud to say the fund is now live. It will ensure that families who have survived domestic abuse continue to receive the vital support they need as they find their own way after leaving emergency accommodation.
“Our big goal for 2026 is to deliver 1,000 Buddy Funds to families, ensuring every child feels supported, valued and cared for from day one.
“We have always seen great engagement and support from the housing sector and with its continued support, the Buddy Fund will create a lasting legacy of care and comfort for our survivors.”
The Buddy Fund has been born out of the Buddy Bag Foundation, a volunteer-led charity, which since 2015 has provided backpacks of essential items, such as toiletries, clothes, books, stationary and a cuddly toy to children entering emergency accommodation.
Carrying on this legacy, the Buddy Fund will also provide children in care with a fold away bag to carry their belongings with dignity. According to the National Youth Advocacy Service, four in five children in care have had their belongings packed into bin bags as they move from placement to placement.
There are currently 107,000 children in the UK care system. One child enters care every 15 minutes.
Karen added: “Far too often, children in care are moved from one placement to another with their belongings stuffed into black bin bags. This isn’t just impractical – it’s deeply damaging and reinforces feelings of disposability and worthlessness.
“Our fold away bags are a dignified, practical and compassionate alternative to the bin bag.”
The Buddy Fund officially launched on Thursday 1 January 2026. Families can apply for support from the fund when they are leaving emergency accommodation via their refuge at https://buddybagfoundation.co.uk/buddy-fund/
