This is the second winter that the charity has the bags, which include knitted blankets, hats, gloves and scarves, a torch, hot water bottle, warm socks, thermal mugs and soup.
They also contain a small gift and a card made by local school children as well as information about useful services. So far, the bags have been distributed to young carers, and at groups run by local charities Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness, Refugee Action Kingston and Voices of Hope.
Most recently they were well-received at a health and wellbeing day for those experiencing homelessness or seeking asylum in South West London.
RBKares works with the Kingston community, particularly supporting hospital workers, carers, refugees, care home residents and other vulnerable groups. The charity also runs monthly wellbeing events on the Cambridge Estate which bring partners together to offer up to 150 people from across the borough access to a range of health services.
These include flu and covid vaccinations, basic health checks, mental health support, podiatry, smoking cessation and most recently a Dentaid dental bus.
We have a wonderful team of sewing and knitting volunteers as well lonely and isolated older people that have enjoyed crocheting and knitting, scarves, hats and blankets for our communities, giving them a purpose.”
Kaye Kenyon, RBKares founder
Kaye Kenyon, RBKares founder, said: “This project has been great, not only for those we are giving the bags to, but also for those who have helped put them together. We have a wonderful team of sewing and knitting volunteers as well lonely and isolated older people that have enjoyed crocheting and knitting, scarves, hats and blankets for our communities, giving them a purpose.
“One lady who is unable to leave her house anymore, received a warmer in winter bag last year. She phoned to thank me, asked for wool and knitted us 32 hats and 10 hot water bottle covers for this years bags!”