Council collaboration helps children in care move with pride and purpose

Worcestershire County Council is proud to announce a meaningful collaboration with Madlug Foundation, a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting children in care.

Through the efforts of the Council’s Youth Voice team, Madlug has generously donated 120 pack-away travel bags to looked after children. These bags have already been distributed to numerous looked after children, including those who attend looked after children groups such as Who Cares We Care.

One young person said: “This is incredible, I was so used to using plastic bags to take my belongings, and now I can fit everything in here."

Madlug, short for "Make a Difference Luggage," was founded in 2015 by youth worker Dave Linton after he discovered that many children in care were moving their belongings in black bin bags. Determined to restore dignity to these children, Madlug operates on a "buy one, give one" scheme. For every bag purchased, a pack-away travel bag is donated to a child in care. To date, over 110,000 bags have been provided to children across the UK and Ireland.

The donated bags are thoughtfully designed in collaboration with care-experienced young people, featuring a 35-litre capacity, water-resistant material, and a discreet, unbranded appearance to avoid stigma. Each bag carries the empowering message “You are incredible,” reinforcing the child’s value and worth.

Abbie, representing Worcestershire County Council’s Youth Voice team, expressed her gratitude: "As a new apprentice to the team, I was tasked with doing some research around Madlug. When I reached out, I was moved by their immediate willingness to support our young people. Their mission aligns perfectly with our commitment to ensuring every looked after child feels valued and respected. We're incredibly thankful for their generosity."

Ruth Hill, Assistant Director for Child Protection and Through Care at Worcestershire County Council said: "Every child deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, especially during times of transition. We’re grateful to our Youth Voice team for initiating this collaboration and grateful to Madlug for their generous and heartfelt contribution."

Madlug's initiative is part of a broader mission to distribute 125,000 pack-away travel bags to children in care by June 2025, aiming to eliminate the use of bin bags for transporting personal belongings.

Anyone wishing to support the cause by purchasing a bag from Madlug. Each purchase ensures that a child in care receives a pack-away travel bag, helping them move with dignity. To learn more or to contribute, visit www.madlug.com.