The Red Bag Co was created by accident in the winter of 2013 by Chloe Avon. The original idea behind the red bag co was to distribute essentials to rough sleepers in the Birmingham area as something positive to do in the community.

At first Chloe and her mum distributed 30 red rucksacks on the street's of Birmingham and then returned to distribute a second 30 in the January of 2014. When distributing the final few, they came across a man at New Street Station who spotted a Red Bag straight away and told them that he really appreciated his last one and it got him through the winter period.

That's where our name comes from.. The Red Bag Co (Community Organisation)

It was obvious that our community was crying out for support, advice and conversation and we just couldn't go on knowing that we could make a difference. Since that day volunteers have been out every Sunday distributing essentials to those in need on the streets.

In January 2016 The Red Bag Co started to offer advice and support on employment, benefits and accommodation. The Red Bag Co become formed of five regular volunteers and started to look for more ways to make a difference.

To date The Red Bag Co has now helped:
16 people off the streets
4 people into employment
9 people through rehab
18 people supported emotionally
4 full makeovers have been given to boost self esteem
kg of food donated to the staffordshire community
80 families helped in crisis
1 mother and baby supported into a unit
19 people supported with ID

These statistics were done from helping people on the street, We currently have no base and no where for rough sleepers to be able to come for support accept for our run's every Sunday. Through fundraising and community spirit we could really make a difference to those who need it by opening a center within the city.

We are now setting a £10,000 fundraising target for 2017 so next winter we really can make a change.