A group of Measham residents are sharing a different kind of love across Leicestershire - one built on kindness, community spirit and connection.
The Measham Friendship Group has been creating small knitted “Pocket Hug Hearts” to support people experiencing bereavement. The hearts are gifted to individuals at difficult moments in their lives, offering a reminder that someone cares.
The project began in February 2025 when Local Area Coordinator at Leicestershire County Council Bryonie Mellor shared a request from LOROS Hospice for handmade hearts to comfort patients receiving end-of-life care and their families.
The Friendship Group, which meets weekly to craft and socialise, immediately stepped in to help. Within weeks they had produced more than 300 hearts, with every member contributing from knitting and pairing hearts together to carefully packaging each one. The group has now created over 800 hearts.
Jenny, one of the group’s main knitters, chose to take part as a way of giving back after her late husband received care from LOROS. She 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.
“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 how small acts of kindness can boost people’s mental health and help them feel more connected during difficult times. Creating the hearts gives the group a shared purpose and a sense of belonging. Receiving one offers comfort and reassurance, reminding people that support is close at hand.
Person:Bryonie Mellor, Local Area Coordinator at Leicestershire County Council
The Pocket Hug Hearts project shows how small acts of kindness can boost people’s mental health and help them feel more connected during difficult times. Creating the hearts gives the group a shared purpose and a sense of belonging. Receiving one offers comfort and reassurance, reminding people that support is close at hand.
"The hearts are a lovely way for bereaved families to feel close to their loved ones. Families tell us they carry them with them for many years afterwards and it brings them comfort at a difficult time."
Person:Michelle Clark, LOROS Matron
“These tiny hearts show how powerful it can be when people connect and support one another, especially at difficult times. They bring comfort to people experiencing loss, give the Friendship Group a meaningful way to contribute, and support the work of LOROS, which is such an important place for so many families in Leicestershire. It’s a simple idea with a real impact on people’s wellbeing across the county.”
Person:Councillor Michael Squires, Cabinet Member for Health
To find some more inspiring stories or to connect with more people check out the Start A Conversation webpage.
For more information, visit the Local Area Coordination webpage.