Almost 300 pamper packs were “made with love” by Bare Necessities volunteers and handed to children and young people to give to their deserving mothers on Mother’s Day.

Mothers, who wouldn’t otherwise have received anything, were surprised with the gifts which contained a selection including makeup, perfume, nail varnish and other beauty products.

The campaign, now in its third year, donated packs to women’s abuse centres, refuges, schools and youth clubs in the East Cheshire / South Manchester area. One recipient, Bideford Community Centre, commented, “All our ladies got a little treat today courtesy of Bare Necessities and everyone smiled and laughed and forgot any troubles for a few hours”

Diane Smith, Trustee of Bare Necessities, explained, “ With 11.9%* of youngsters in the area living in poverty, many children will have potentially been unable to give their mother a token of their appreciation. Bare Necessities work closely with charities to help some of these children make their Mother feel special on their day with a pamper pack.

Of course we couldn’t do this without the generous donations from the public. Any unwanted makeup and toiletries, full sized or minis can be dropped off into our donation boxes all year round, box locations can be found on the website. Alternatively, you can donate online via the website

Feedback from St Pauls Catholic High School

‘Thank you so much for the bag I received recently. After attending a meeting regarding my son and discussing family concerns and issues, it was a lovely thought to give me some items to really help us all. As a single mother, having someone gift me with essential items allowed me to leave the meeting feeling positive and happier.’

‘I am not sure who organised it but I want to thank you for giving *** a gift to give to me for Mother’s Day. He was so happy giving me the surprise of such lovely items. I never expect anything but it has brought me such a lot by the kind gesture. Thank you so much again. ‘

‘Hi Miss, I just wanted to email to say thank you for giving **** a bag full of such lovely toiletries/ essential items. She came home so happy with the items and something that I never thought a school would do for her. Whoever has done it or planned it then please pass on my thanks as I am hugely grateful for everything you and the community do. ‘

‘Hi Miss, **** told me that you were able to help him with my surprise for Mother’s Day and I wanted to thank you for it. He kept saying he had a surprise for me but I didn’t think it would be something so personal and lovely. I wasn’t sure at first how he managed to get something to give to me like that but when he explained that you had spoken to him about giving me something special for Mother’s Day I wanted to share my thanks. To receive items that are luxuries nowadays with all of the other economic demands is an absolute treat and pleasure and I cant wait to use them. Thank you!’