All our news....
UNISON Gloucestershire Police Branch
A Huge 'Thank You' to the Unison Gloucestershire Police Branch! Why?? They held a 'well being' week at the HQ and highlighted Happy Handbag as it's charitable cause - hence the huge cheque pictured above. In addition to this, staff at the HQ donated handbags and toiletries for the handbags! I went along for 1…
Reiki with Animals TRC – Nov’26
What is Reiki with Animals all about?? In the early 2000s, “Reiki with Animals” wasn’t yet a specific area of practice. Traditional Western Reiki taught that Reiki could be offered to both people and animals. Over time, complementary therapies have become more formally recognised. Reiki practitioners can register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council…
The Nelson Trust, Swindon, Refurbished Site
On Wednesday 30th September I was invited to the Nelson Trust Swindon Womens' Centre. It was the official grand re-opening of the original site which has been refurbished and very much 'fit for purpose' now. It was an incredible day with many guests and dignitaries there to see the vast improve in the facilities and…
Happy Handbag – so much for slowing down….
So much for slowing down a bit - 36 Happy Handbags and 30 bags/sacks clothing and stuff went out yesterday (16/09/2026) .... plus I had a very interesting meeting with the Eddystone Trust too. Please note we are coming up to Christmas time. From about mid November and into December the Service Providers get huge…
Happy Handbag Update- Update
Since writing the last update, last week, I've had more charities contact me for help. Things are getting so difficult and resources so stretched that I'm having to rethink on clothing. Please, if you have clothing you wish to donate, and you know that there is still plenty of wear left in them, then please…
Update on Happy Handbag
From September (2026) Happy Handbags will be gratefully accepting suitable toiletries for Happy Handbags plus underwear and childrens' clothing. Please read below to find out why.... I have been thinking long and hard about this but I think that the time has come to simply concentrate on Happy Handbag and greatly restrict Happy Bags. This…
Are you interested in good skincare? ‘Clean Beauty’ – ‘Beauty
There is a new company offering help when deciding what skin care to use.... Selenssa... So, what does this have to do with Happy Handbag?? On their website Selenssa is kindly suggesting that unwanted skincare in your cupboard be donated to Happy Handbag. Just imagine the joy of a recipient receiving a handbag from a…
Happy Handbags to Night Angels
More donations taken to the Gloucestershire Night Angels this week. They are looking at expanding into Bristol! They do an amazing job but are always looking for donations for their 2 charity shops (1 in Gloucester and 1 in Stroud). As well as raising funds for the amazing work they do, these shops also act…
Lemonade in Cotswold Village
Yes, this is a funny title isn't it..... Well on Sunday 17th May my 13 year old granddaughter, with the help of 2 of her friends, set up a lemonade station, selling lemonade to raise funds, and profile of Happy Handbag. Her village was having an Open Garden day and she thought it was a…
Reiki for Animals
There have been huge discussions around the giving of Reiki to animals. At TRC we work closely with the Reiki Council who, together with LANTRA have provided National Occupational Standards for the giving of Reiki to animals. We are currently working together to offer a Reiki for Animals qualification based on these NOS. More info…
TRC Reiki Fest
The Reiki Connection Reiki Festival is being held in the Goddess House, Glastonbury on Tuesday 28th July. This day event is FREE to TRC members. Other Reiki Practitioners are welcome but there will be a charge. It will be a relaxed day with Reiki related topics including updates on The Reiki Council Reiki for Animals…
Update on Happy Handbag..
30 filled Happy Handbags went to The Nelson Truston Trust Swindon on Wednesday (22/4) along with 12 sacks/bags of clothing etc. Yesterday I spent a lovely couple of hours with St Stephens Ladies (church) in Soundwell (Bristol) telling them about Happy Handbag including information on the work being done by The Nelson Trust, Family Haven,…