Why Does Hope Bags Exist?
Hope Bags were created from lived experience, compassion, and a simple but powerful belief that no one should feel alone when they are at their lowest.
In 2020, Bethan Evans founded Messages of Hope, a UK-based mental health initiative focused on supporting people who are struggling by combining peer led empathy with practical support. The organisation focused on sharing messages, stories, and support from people who have lived experience of mental health challenges, with the core aim of spreading hope.
Messages of Hope was developed following Bethan's own struggles with mental health. Between 2019 and 2022, Bethan faced severe challenges, including a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder and several life-threatening suicide attempts that led to her hospitalisation.
During this time, Bethan experienced first-hand how overwhelming and isolating a psychiatric admission can feel. Bethan learned that arriving on a ward without basic essentials, comfort, or a sense of dignity is something many patients face, and it's something she knew needed to change.
In 2023…
In December 2023, Bethan shared the concept of Hope Bags online and what started as a single idea quickly grew into a community movement. Hundreds of donations began arriving, which turned a personal idea into a large scale initiative supporting wards across South Wales and beyond.
In 2026…
Bethan changed the name of the organisation to Hope Bags and providing patients arriving on psychiatric wards with essential care items became the organisations main focus.
Why Psychiatric Patients Need Hope Bags
People admitted to psychiatric wards often arrive in crisis, frequently with little or no personal belongings. Admissions can be sudden and distressing, leaving individuals without access to basic essentials such as toiletries, clean clothing, or items that support comfort and self-care. This lack of basic personal items can deepen feelings of vulnerability, shame, and loss of dignity at an already overwhelming time.
Mental health inpatient settings are under significant pressure, with limited resources available to provide personal care items beyond the most basic clinical needs.
As a result, many patients are left relying on ward-issued items or donations that may not meet their individual needs, particularly for those experiencing poverty, homelessness, domestic abuse, or limited family support.
“When I was hospitalised I wasn't given anything but a gown, including no pillow or blanket or basic hygiene things like a toothbrush etc. I'll never forget how dehumanising it felt.”
What Goes Into Our Hope Bags?
We provide gender-neutral Hope Bags for patients, allowing us to efficiently prepare and distribute them to those who need them most. Each bag is thoughtfully packed with a consistent set of essential items. These core items are chosen to ensure every patient arrives on the ward with dignity and access to basic self-care.
We recognise that some patients may require additional items. Rather than including these in every bag, we supply wards with boxes of sanitary products, enabling staff to discreetly add them where needed or when requested.
Items in our standard Hope Bags:
- 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner
- Body wash
- Toothbrush and paste
- Roll on deodorant
- Notebook
- Pen
- Ear buds
- Moisturiser
- Flannel
- Colouring or activity book
- Pencils or playing cards
- Snack
Our Monthly Pop Up Shop
We understand that needs don't stop after arrival. That's why, once a month, we return to the ward to host a pop-up shop for patients.
The pop-up shop is completely free and designed to give patients a sense of choice and independence. For those who are unable to leave the ward, it offers a rare opportunity to experience something that feels like everyday life; browsing, choosing items, and making personal decisions. Even a small moment like this can help someone feel more in control and briefly step outside the clinical environment.
Through the monthly pop up shop, patients can:
Refill items from their Hope Bags that they've run out of.
At our monthly pop up shops, alongside our standard items, we also provide a wider selection of optional products, such as:
- Hairbrush/comb
- Hair bobbles
- Fidget toys
- Hand cream
- Tissues
- Eye mask
- Baby wipes
- No rinse shampoo cap
- Sliders
- Soft toy
- Vaseline
- Reading glasses
- Face mask
- Silk bonnet
- Women's underwear
- Men's underwear
These items are not included in every Hope Bag, as not all patients will require them—but the pop-up shop ensures everyone has access to what feels right for them.
Additional Support
To help patients stay connected with loved ones, we also provide phone chargers, supplying up to four per ward. We understand that some wards may have restrictions around phone use, so chargers are made available where appropriate and needed.
Our Values
Dignity
We believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, especially during times of vulnerability. Everything we do is designed to help people feel valued, human, and cared for.
Compassion
We lead with empathy, kindness, and understanding. Our work is rooted in listening to lived experience and responding with care, sensitivity, and warmth.
Hope
Hope is at the heart of our organisation. Through small, thoughtful acts, we aim to offer reassurance, comfort, and optimism to those facing mental health challenges.
Community
We believe in the power of community to create change. By bringing people together such as volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters, we turn collective kindness into meaningful impact.
Awareness
We are committed to reducing stigma around mental health by encouraging open conversations, education, and understanding in everything we do.
Thoughtfulness
We pay attention to the details that matter. From the items we include in our Bags of Hope to the way we engage with people, we act with intention, care, and respect.