It's our monthly Give-Back Friday again, and this October we’re donating to the Hygiene Bank Newcastle.
We’re buying £100 worth of products from their wish list, to ensure the people who use their service get what they actually need.
Hygiene Poverty and Period Poverty has become less of a hidden crisis in recent years, but it is still a crisis. Buying the basics like period products, shampoo, toothpaste or deodorant when we need them is something most of us take for granted. For many on a low-income however, especially those who rely on food banks, these essential products have become out of reach luxuries. Illness, disability, family breakdown or loss of a job can leave people destitute, and these unplanned events can happen to anyone.
People miss out on employment and promotion opportunities. Women find themselves housebound because they can’t afford period products, children skip school because they don't have clean uniform or PE kit.
Having worked at Smart Works charity, we saw that a lack of access to hygiene products impacts confidence, self-esteem and prospects in those who are most vulnerable so we partnered with Jess and Sophie at Hygiene Bank Newcastle to compliment our service of supporting women in to employment.
This shouldn’t have to happen, and we try to support in any way we can as an organisation. If you would also like to donate to the Hygiene Bank’s wish list or find out more about the organisation, you can find it on their website.