Bag of Morale for Naval Base Sailors

An initiative by the Logistics department at HMS Drake in Devonport is bringing a boost to the wellbeing of personnel who are isolating at the Base, either due to being COVID 19 symptomatic or who are isolating under the NHS Test and Trace scheme and unable to return home.

Known as the Bag of Morale each one contains a selection of items that they would have but can’t buy from the Base shop. 

“We’ve seen how hard it is for these sailors while isolating with us,” said Warrant Officer Jason Bignell, Team Manager at the Fleet Accommodation Facility in HMS Drake. “Each Isolator is given a Bag of Morale, which contain confectionary, mints, crisps and soft drinks. 

It’s hoped this token gesture of Goodwill, will aid in their wellbeing and break up the long days in isolation and make things a bit more comfortable.”

Jason’s team buy the items, bags them up and distributes them to their individual cabins in the accommodation blocks, which also doubles as a welfare check on everyone. 

HMNB Devonport received a £4500 grant from the Royal Navy’s Rebalancing Lives Fund – (RBL). The RBL Fund aims to help improve the work/life balance of Royal Naval personnel by providing financial assistance to projects that deliver RBL benefit to combat disruption, uncertainty, drudgery & boredom and an unreasonable pace or weight of work.