Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the many forms of care and connection that exist within our communities. One example comes from the Measham Friendship Group and their continued involvement in creating “Pocket Hug Hearts” small-crafted hearts offered to people experiencing bereavement.
The initiative began in February 2025 when Leicestershire County Council’s Local Area Coordinator Bryonie Mellor shared a request for donated hearts to support LOROS Hospice. The hearts were intended to provide a small source of comfort for individuals receiving end‑of‑life care, as well as for family members coping with loss.
When the request reached the Measham Friendship Group, a local group that meets weekly to craft and socialise, the members immediately expressed interest in contributing. They collectively produced more than 300 hearts in the first few weeks, with every member finding a way to participate, whether knitting, pairing, or packaging the items. To date, the group has now produced over 800 hearts.
One of the main knitters of the group, Jenny, a retired lady in her late 70s, shared that her late husband was cared for by LOROS in his last days. Jenny said, “I was happy to be asked to knit the hearts because it was my way of paying back the kindness that everyone at LOROS showed to me when I needed them”.
As the project has grown, the hearts have also been offered to people grieving the loss of a pet something that can be especially hard for those who live alone or are housebound. Each heart is given with details of the Blue Cross pet bereavement helpline, ensuring people know support is available.
Bryonie Mellor, Local Area Coordinator for Ibstock and Measham, said: “The hearts give comfort to people who are grieving, but they also give the group something meaningful to contribute to their community. It’s a simple act of kindness that makes a real difference.”
The Pocket Hug Hearts project shows that an act of kindness does not need to be large or complex to make a difference. Sometimes, a small-crafted heart is enough to let someone know they are thought of, supported, and connected to others.
To find out more about the work of our local area co-ordinators or to make contact with your local LAC visit their dedicated page.
To find some more inspiring stories or to connect with more people check out the Start A Conversation webpage.