Lambeth Council expands Buddy Bags for children escaping domestic abuse
The scheme provides books, toiletries and pyjamas to families arriving in temporary accommodation with few belongings
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Only one named source (Lambeth Council) with no independent verification.
Higher is stronger
No affected residents quoted or right of reply offered.
Higher is stronger
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Children arriving in Lambeth’s temporary accommodation after fleeing domestic abuse will receive Buddy Bags under a council scheme. Each bag contains books, games, toiletries and pyjamas, intended to provide comfort during displacement. The Homeless Prevention team distributes the bags discreetly to preserve families’ dignity.
Cllr Pete Elliot, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said the bags help restore a sense of normality. He told the council’s website that children often arrive with almost no personal belongings. The scheme is run in partnership with the Buddy Bag Foundation.
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Gold standard for housing support
Lambeth Council holds DAHA Gold Accreditation, awarded by the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance. Only three other London local authority landlords have achieved the same status. The accreditation recognises organisations that embed domestic abuse awareness across all housing services, not just specialist teams.
Nicki Clarke, Head of Housing at DAHA, said Lambeth demonstrated a whole-system approach. She told the council’s website that the accreditation process showed the council’s commitment to continuous improvement and survivor-centred practice. DAHA now uses Lambeth’s Sustainability Plan as a model for other housing providers.
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These small acts of kindness can make a real difference to children experiencing trauma and uncertainty.
Cllr Pete Elliot, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Housing
How residents can access support
Families fleeing domestic abuse in Lambeth can request a Buddy Bag through the Homeless Prevention team. No formal referral is required. The council’s website states that the bags are provided discreetly to ensure confidentiality. Further details are available on the Love Lambeth website.
Questions this report answers
+What is in a Lambeth Council Buddy Bag?
Each Buddy Bag contains books, games, toiletries and pyjamas for children fleeing domestic abuse. The items are intended to provide comfort and a sense of normality while families access wider support services in Lambeth.
+How do families in Lambeth get a Buddy Bag?
Families can request a Buddy Bag through Lambeth Council’s Homeless Prevention team. The bags are distributed discreetly to maintain confidentiality. No formal referral is required, according to the council’s website.
+What does DAHA Gold Accreditation mean for Lambeth?
DAHA Gold Accreditation means Lambeth Council has demonstrated a whole-system approach to domestic abuse support in housing. Only four London local authority landlords hold the status, which recognises embedded policies and survivor-centred practice.
+Who is responsible for the Buddy Bags scheme in Lambeth?
Cllr Pete Elliot, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Housing, oversees the Buddy Bags scheme. The Homeless Prevention team distributes the bags, and the council partners with the Buddy Bag Foundation to provide the items.
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