Charity | Posted on November 6th, 2026 | return to news

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole handbag campaign appeals for community support

The Love Grace Appeal provides handbags filled with everyday essentials for women affected by domestic abuse and homelessness.

To receive a handbag packed with goodies makes a huge difference to women affected by domestic abuse, homelessness and hardship, and now a campaign which runs across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is seeking community support to help it grow.

Since BCP Council became the first council in the South of England to launch the national Love Grace Appeal in partnership with Love Grace in December 2024, residents have donated more than 1,000 handbags filled with toiletries, everyday essentials and thoughtful gifts.

Organisers are calling on local businesses, community groups and volunteers to help secure a permanent community hub and storage space so the appeal can continue reaching women in need.

Keri, one recipient, said: “I felt completely overwhelmed by the products that were put in the bag. It honestly felt like Christmas. I felt special. My joy around this generous gift truly lasted for days.”
Other recipients have shared the impact the handbags have had on them.

Kat said: “Having the little touches like sunglasses, a scarf, a pack of cards and a notebook was really thoughtful and meaningful. I sometimes feel that I don’t deserve nice things, but my support worker made me feel OK to have this handbag.”

Tia said: “I picked a handbag and was really happy with the products. It felt good to have something nice for a change. My hairbrush literally broke that day and there was one inside the bag. It was very thoughtful.”

As the appeal has grown, so has the need for a more sustainable local base. Organisers are seeking:

A local community hub with secure storage space for handbags and toiletries.
Volunteers who can spare a few hours each month to help clean, sort, pack and distribute donations.
Businesses able to offer employee volunteering, storage facilities, transport or logistical support.
Future collection points across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole once additional storage capacity is secured.

Cllr Sandra Moore, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at BCP Council, said: “Supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse is a priority for BCP Council and our partners. Through the Safer BCP Partnership, we work closely with Dorset Police, health services, housing providers and specialist organisations to help people access support, improve their safety and rebuild their lives.

“The Love Grace Appeal complements that wider work in a simple but powerful way. By providing handbags filled with essential items and thoughtful gifts, it offers comfort, dignity and reassurance to women during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

“Since the first Love Grace bags were distributed in January 2025, the appeal has supported women through partner organisations including BCHA, Dorset Working Women’s Project, Hope for Food, Sexual Health Dorset and Routes to Roots.

“We are also incredibly grateful to volunteer coordinator Hannah Wheatley and her husband, who have helped keep the appeal running by transporting donated handbags to Love Grace headquarters in Essex for cleaning, checking and packing before they are returned for local distribution.

“The appeal is making a meaningful difference to women across our communities, but its future growth now depends on finding the right local support. We’d love to hear from organisations and businesses that can help by providing storage space, volunteer support or a permanent community hub.”

Businesses, community groups and organisations that could offer storage space, a community hub or volunteer support are encouraged to contact Daniel Hernandez, Community Safety Officer and Love Grace Appeal Coordinator, at SaferBCP@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available. Visit saferbcp.co.uk/domestic-abuse for information about local and national support services.