Local resident Jeanne Long has been recognised for her work in supporting vulnerable women in the South West.
Jeanne, who lives in Frampton Cotterell, was announced as the first South Gloucestershire resident to have received a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
In 2016, Jeanne launched ‘Happy Handbag’, an initiative which uses donated handbags that are then filled with essential items and distributed to vulnerable women across the South West including those who may be fleeing domestic abuse, who are homeless, or leaving prison. The bags contain items such as hygiene products, as well as more luxury items such as make-up to restore confidence. The bags are donated to service providers who then distribute them across the community.
Local MP Luke Hall welcomed Frampton Cotterell’s Jeanne Long to his constituency office to receive her Points of Light Award, in recognition of her extraordinary work for vulnerable women in our area.
The daily Points of Light Award is awarded directly by the Prime Minister and recognises individual volunteers who make outstanding contributions in their communities.
The UK Points of Light was first launched at 10 Downing Street in April 2014, highlighting the wealth of inspiring and ground-breaking volunteering across Britain.
Alongside her work, Jeanne also gives talks to local women’s groups and since the pandemic has started to build a network for donations so people can more easily provide items.
In a personal letter to Jeanne, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“For someone going through the toughest of times, an act of kindness can make all the difference. That is why your idea is so powerful. You have reached out to thousands of women across the South West, just when they need it the most.
“By giving the gift of a handbag, filled not just with essentials but make up and other luxury items, you have helped those women to rebuild their confidence.”
Local MP Luke Hall said:
“It was an absolute honour to be able to present the Prime Minister’s Award to Jeanne, recognising all the incredible work she has done to reach and support so many vulnerable women in the community.”
“Jeanne embodies the compassion and kindness of the South Gloucestershire community, and as a leading light, thoroughly deserving this award.
Jeanne said, “"It was good to meet with Luke and have an opportunity to discuss the work Happy Handbag does for vulnerable women throughout South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Bristol. I was delighted to receive this award and am grateful to all those who continue to support the work of Happy Handbag in the South West"
If you would like more information about Happy Handbag and would like to donate items to this cause, please visit www.happyhandbag.co.uk
