Suitcase scheme is winning move by caring mum

A KIND-HEARTED mum has packed her bags to help children in care move house with dignity.

Bryony Martin, of Dobcross, has set up the Suitcase Trust after winning a £2,500 competition in the Guardian newspaper.

The aim is to allow children in care, or those being looked after by relatives or foster parents, to move their belongings without having to resort to bin liners. She has presented her first batch of suitcases to Oldham Council’s children’s services department.

The council has already signed up to the “no bin bags” charter inspired by the National Voice campaign group. Mrs Martin’s donation will allow them to assist more young people.

Mrs Martin (39) has three school-age children and the former Church of England priest is now a trainee psychotherapist.

She said: “No child should have to collect up their whole life’s possessions in a bin bag.

“Children need to know they are worth something. A new suitcase of their own, to take with them out into the world, is a small but important symbol of that worth.

“I’m really happy to be working with the team in Oldham and I’m looking forward to getting feedback on this first lot of cases from the young people who’ll use them.”

In Oldham there are currently 330 to 340 looked-after children and Mrs Martin hopes to help more of them, then more across Greater Manchester, and eventually nationally.

She hopes large suitcase manufacturers and retailers will also donate cases.

She handed over four high-quality, durable cases to Steve Slater of the Children’s Service, at the Southlink offices this week.