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St Columba’s Hospice Care is inviting members of the community to help sew simple fabric bags that are used to hold a patient’s personal belongings after they have died.
These bags allow hospice staff to return personal effects to families with dignity and care. In the past, plastic bags were often used for this purpose, so these handmade fabric bags offer a more compassionate and thoughtful alternative during a very difficult time.
By joining our Bags of Compassion Project and sewing even just one bag, you can help us replace plastic with something kinder and more personal. Each bag is made with care by volunteers, and we add a small label of compassion when the bag is given to a family.
You can use any durable fabric you have available, in any prints or colours. You might have some end of roll fabric, or an off cut from another project, or some old but good condition curtains, making this a meaningful way to give unused materials a new purpose.
You can download the Bags of Compassion pattern below to get started. Once you've completed your bag, it can be dropped off at:
St Columba’s Hospice Care
15 Boswall Road
Edinburgh, EH5 3RW
or at one of our shops: Shop with St Columba's Hospice Care
Bags can also be posted to the Hospice address, care of ‘Volunteer Services, Bags of Compassion Project'.
Everything you need to make a bag including fabric sizes and step-by-step instructions is included in the downloadable pattern below.
If you’d like to support St Columba’s Hospice Care and our Bags of Compassion Project, simply download the instructions to get started!
If you have any questions please call Julie Golding, Volunteer Services Lead on 0131 551 1381.
Receiving the bag with my mum’s belongings meant so much to us. It was such a thoughtful and respectful way to return the things that meant a lot to her.
- Family member
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