Hi, my name is Grace. I’m 19, a care leaver, and currently an apprentice. Recently, I spent a day volunteering with Comfort Cases, and it was an experience I won’t forget. Comfort Cases is a charity that provides backpacks filled with essentials for children in care and young people leaving care. Each bag contains practical items like clothing, toiletries, blankets, pyjamas, books, stationery, and soft toys -everything a child or young person might need to feel supported and cared for. Beyond the practical items, the bags are a symbol of kindness and stability during what can be an overwhelming time.
This charity is especially meaningful to me because it’s something I wish I had access to when I was younger. As a care leaver, I know how isolating it can feel to step into a new stage of life without support or basic necessities. Starting an apprenticeship, stepping into independence, or simply managing daily life can already be challenging, and doing so without extra support makes it even harder. Comfort Cases provides young people in care with small but significant sources of comfort and reassurance, helping them feel seen, supported, and less alone. Being able to contribute to that process made the day especially meaningful for me.
During the day, I spent most of my time packing the comfort bags. At first glance, it might seem like a simple task, but each bag requires careful thought. I made sure all the items were included, arranged them neatly, and added little touches that would make a child feel valued. I also helped select winter essentials, such as warm clothing and blankets, for children and young people in care. It felt rewarding to know that even small items could make a real impact, especially during colder months. I kept thinking about how comforting these bags would be, not just for the physical items inside, but for the care and thoughtfulness they represent.
Watching all the bags come together was a powerful experience. Each bag is more than just a collection of items, it’s a message that someone cares, that the child receiving it matters, and that they are not alone. This struck a chord with me because, as a care leaver, I understand how meaningful even the smallest gestures of kindness can be. A notebook, a soft toy, or a warm pair of pyjamas can make a child feel valued and supported. It reminded me that even in difficult circumstances, people and organisations go the extra mile to help.
Volunteering with Comfort Cases also gave me insight into how charities operate. Everything from organising volunteers to selecting items, packing bags, and distributing them, requires careful planning and coordination. Working alongside other volunteers was inspiring, and it showed me how teamwork can make a real difference. I also thought about how this mirrors my apprenticeship. In both volunteering and apprenticeship, dedication, organisation, and focus are essential. Both have taught me that contributing your time and effort can create a huge impact on others lives.
What I loved most about the day was seeing how personal each bag felt. Comfort Cases’ mission to ensure that no child has to carry their life in a bin bag really highlights the charity’s dedication to dignity and wellbeing. Every item is chosen with thought, and every bag is packed with attention and love. My time volunteering reminded me that meaningful support isn’t just about providing physical essentials, it’s about creating moments of stability and reassurance for children and young people who often face challenging circumstances.
Being a care leaver and an apprentice allowed me to connect with the charity’s mission in a personal way. I could relate to the challenges children and young people in care face, and I could see the positive difference even small gestures can make. Volunteering gave me a chance to combine my own experiences with the practical skills I am learning in my apprenticeship. It reminded me that whether through formal training or volunteering, there is always an opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow while making a positive difference.
I would encourage anyone who can to get involved with Comfort Cases. Whether it’s volunteering, donating items, contributing to their Amazon wish list, or simply sharing their work, every action makes a difference. Supporting this charity isn’t just about giving material items, it’s about giving children and young people something they truly need: comfort, dignity, and hope.
Overall, my day with Comfort Cases was rewarding, inspiring, and deeply personal. It allowed me to contribute to a cause that means a lot to me, reflect on my experiences as a care leaver, and appreciate the value of small but thoughtful gestures. Experiences like this reinforce the importance of community, care, and kindness, and I hope that more people will learn about and support Comfort Cases so that every child in care can experience the comfort and reassurance they deserve.