Go Bags
What is a Go Bag?
A Go Bag is a backpack of brand-new essentials for a child who needs to leave home quickly or is staying in temporary accommodation. It’s practical, personal and theirs to keep — something to call their own during a tough time.
Who receives a Go Bag
Go Bags are distributed through a wide network of frontline and community partners, including ACT Children, Youth and Families (Health and Community Services Directorate), the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), ACT Policing (Australian Federal Police), and the NSW Police Force.
We also work with domestic and family violence refuges, Indigenous support organisations, community legal services, housing and homelessness programs, and other trusted local agencies. These partnerships ensure that Go Bags reach children in crisis, those involved with care and protection services, or those staying in refuges and emergency accommodation when they’re needed most.
Every Go Bag is carefully packed to offer comfort, dignity, and a sense of belonging.
NSW Police Force and Legal Aid ACT receiving Go Bags
“Children’s response to the Go Bags are amazing. They have opened the bag and been thrilled to explore what’s inside and enjoy the novelty of having something that is special to them. It’s so lovely to see how much joy the bags have brought to some kids because now they have their own bag and personal items.”
— CYPS Caseworker, 2020
What’s inside
Every Go Bag contains new, gender and age-appropriate items such as:
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap or shampoo)
Pyjamas and a change of clothes
Underwear and socks
A soft toy or comfort item
A book or small activity
(When possible/appropriate) a small gift voucher for urgent needs
Stock from Go Bag donations are also used to create Back to School backpacks, which include lunch boxes, drink bottles, stationery, and store vouchers to help children start the school year with confidence.
How you can help
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How you can help ❤︎
1) Donate new items
Our most-needed items include: backpacks, pyjamas, underwear, socks, basic toiletries, board books, and soft toys.
Guidelines:
New items only (with tags/packaging where possible)
Fragrance-free toiletries preferred
No violent imagery or triggering topics; culturally respectful designs
Please don’t pre-wrap — we sort by size and need
2) Donate funds
Financial donations help us fill size gaps, purchase specific items requested by caseworkers, and include small store vouchers for urgent needs.
3) Organise a Go Bag Drive
Some workplaces and community groups choose to host a Go Bag drive, collecting new items and assembling bags together as a team activity. These events are a great way to give back while connecting colleagues through a shared cause. We can provide a current wish list, templates, and guidance to make it easy to run your own drive.
