A Bournville Village Trust resident is hoping to show older, vulnerable people in the community that they are valued and remembered by delivering Kindness Hampers.

Umar Sabir, who has been a Bournville Village Trust tenant for 12 years, is leading the project through the International Students’ Association at the University of Birmingham, where he serves as Vice President.

The project is bringing students together to create hampers filled with thoughtful gifts, essential items, treats and handwritten messages.

They will then be distributed to older and vulnerable residents across Bournville, with support from Bournville Village Trust.

Umar, who is studying for a degree at the University of Birmingham, said: “Last year, I launched a similar initiative alongside Age UK in Selly Oak where we delivered over 80 hampers to local elderly residents over Christmas.

“Hearing afterwards how much they meant to people and how appreciated they were was incredibly moving. Something as simple as a handwritten card or a few thoughtful items was enough to make someone feel remembered during what can often be a lonely time of year.

“As someone who grew up in foster care and is now a care leaver, this project means more to me than I can properly put into words. Growing up, I learned very early how important compassion, community and human connection really are. Sometimes people don’t need grand gestures, they just need to know someone thought about them.

“The elderly we see today were once the people who built the communities we now live in. They were yesterday’s nurses, teachers, carers, doctors, factory workers, parents, neighbours, people who spent their lives looking after others, raising families, and contributing quietly to society in ways we often forget. No one deserves to feel forgotten after a lifetime of giving so much of themselves to the world.”

Umar is hoping to deliver 80 to 100 hampers in the Bournville area.

If you would like to support the project by donating small items or helping to create the hampers, please email clairepage@bvt.org.uk and we will put you in touch with Umar.