Tamworth and Lichfield Pamper Hampers

2215. Diane Bridgen

Diane was inspired when her daughter was packing to leave for university, and, noticing the amount of toiletries and make-up items that had never been used, thought that the products could be put to good use. This sparked the idea of the ‘Pamper Hampers’ which encourages people and organisations to donate unwanted and unused items, that go beyond the essentials, to be packaged into a luxury hamper. With the continued support of the team at Diane’s logistics company, her supplier’s customers and local businesses, Diane organises the production of luxury hampers, each with a value of up to £100. The hampers are then delivered, with a personalised card, to disadvantaged members of the community, those who are going through challenging times and charities. Diane’s aim for the hamper is for it to make people feel cared about, improve recipients’ mental health and raise people’s self-esteem during the festive period, with the positive impact lasting long after Christmas.    

Diane began the appeal in 2016 where she delivered four hampers. Last year, she delivered 222 hampers and has already packaged over 200 hampers to be delivered this Christmas. This year, there has been a focus on donations of men’s toiletries to help improve men’s mental health this Christmas.

In a personal letter to Diane, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: 

“It was fantastic to learn how you began when your daughter went off to university, and you saw the potential for some of her unused toiletries and make-up to be donated to help others. From seven hampers in your first year, you are now helping hundreds of people every Christmas, with people and businesses donating from across your community.

“Together with the personalised card, these hampers are making people feel cared about, improving their mental health and self-esteem and making a difference long after Christmas is over.”

Diane said:

“I am astounded that the Pamper Hampers have caught so much attention since it started with just 7 baskets. I know it’s a cliché to say I could not do it without so many key people – but it is so true. My husband and our business, Central Hub Logistics, are a huge part of its success.  Beiersdorf, the company behind Nivea, the community and local businesses all come together to create wellbeing and self-esteem, dignity and a mental health boost of feeling good about yourself, self-worth and confidence both for men and women. Imagine if this was replicated throughout the country? Unused and unwanted toiletries making a huge difference together and recycling what would be perhaps thrown away. 2024 – we aim to be even bigger and get to more people, spurred on by the need of hygiene poverty and giving people a ‘hug’ of wellbeing.”

Find out more about ‘Tamworth and Lichfield Pamper Hampers’