Cockermouth Soroptimists have been rallying round to create New Start bags for women and girls trafficked in the UK.
They have bought and filled five bags with clothing essentials, toiletries, towels and a purse with £5. The bags will be given to the Salvation Army Jarrett Project which provides accommodation, support and care for the many women trafficked in the UK.
The Soroptimists have been creating the New Start bags for more than six years. The project is co-ordinated by Janette Pilkington, of Dearham, who recently took over from Gill Dunglinson, of Tallentire.
Gill said: "When these girls are rescued everything is taken off them for forensic investigation, they have absolutely nothing. These bags contain everything they need."
Janette said: "We want to give them some dignity, these bags are something of their own
"As a women's group we support women locally, nationally and globally. We can empathise with the plight of these women, many of who are left in a country which is not their own.
"This is a very small way to help support them as they start their new life."
The group is grateful to Asda, in Workington, which has paid for some items of clothing.
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