A BRAND new charity initiative designed to help women in crisis has just launched in Ayr and is looking for local support.

Helping Handbags aims to help women in trouble giving them a helping hand from a fellow females through the donation of sanitary products in handbags.

Sarah Codling, the main Ayrshire Coordinator, said: “I got involved through my cousin Clair Carrington.

“It's not been long starting up the Ayrshire base and it's just bonkers how much support we are receiving through Facebook already.

“Christmas can be hard espcially for those facing a difficult period in their life. The hangbags will be delivered to the homeless, those in refuge, sheltered housing and others who are going through a bit of a bad time.

“There will be various drop off points for the handbags throughout the county but this will be settled nearer Christmas.”

It is being driven by a lady called Brenda Dempsy who has been homeless in the past but is now a successful entrepeneur who wants to inspire people and show them that anything is possible.

Commenting on her invention, Brenda said: “I just saw a random post on social media and thought to myself-what a great idea, so I’ve shared it and the response was immediate and immense.

“That was it, I felt compelled to take action and make this happen on a worldwide scale. Helping Handbags Worldwide was born.

“We now have thousands of followers and believers along incredible individuals donating their time and expertise to the cause and that's just the start.’’ The main idea is to get the public to fill their unwanted handbags with snacks, sanitary and hygiene products.

Many donate clothes, sleeping bags and food but it easy to forget about sanitsation of homeless women.

Sarah added: “We hope it will be a bit of a treat for them. Some of the handbags are really nice.”

Handbags will be distributed after December 19th. More details for Ayrshire can be found on their facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/events/558629180954764.