Donate hygiene products to people on the poverty line in Brighton and Hove

Winter and the Christmas season provides us with a time for giving, yet we often find ourselves forgetting those living on the poverty line.

Earlier this year, The Hygiene Bank was set up to support those living on the poverty line by providing toiletries and beauty essentials.

The Hygiene Bank was set up after the founder Lizzy Hall saw the film I Daniel Blake directed by Ken Loach.

The incredibly moving film relays the brutal reality of often unseen poverty within our society.

One particular scene stood out, where the single mother of two, Katie, is caught shoplifting every day hygiene essentials such as sanitary pads, razors and deodorant.

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After viewing the film, Lizzy went along to her local food bank to see the conditions and found basic hygiene products were sparse.

She sent a message to her friends via Whatsapp to help engage and encourage people to donate hygiene products.

The plea got a huge amount of support and went viral.

Within a few short weeks, The Hygiene Bank was born.

In less than four months, The Hygiene Bank now has over 20 locations across the UK and multiple drop-off sites in each location.

It has grown from just Lizzy to now over 40 coordinators and it is continually growing.

Lizzy said: “Of course, food banks do get toiletries and hygiene products but on an ad-hoc basis. People just generally don’t think about it, and generally just chuck in a tin of beans.”

Many of us take the luxury of essential hygiene products for granted while those who cannot afford this luxury are left having to choose between their next meal or basic hygiene.

The Hygiene Banks’ website states: “Most of us rarely think about the cost of sanitary protection, shampoo, toothpaste or deodorant when stocking up on everyday essentials, but for many low-income families, especially those relying on food banks, hygiene becomes a luxury they can’t afford.”

If the option was between choosing food or being able to wash, the choice is obvious, allowing basic hygiene to slip out of reach.

However, The Hygiene Bank’s belief is that each individual deserves the right to essential hygiene despite the circumstances.

Lizzy said: “Our mission is basically straightforward – to provide essential supplies for people who can’t afford them.”

The mission is to also educate the general public that poverty is more common than many realise.

Lizzy said: “When we sort of think of poverty, I think we often think of something not here, something that is far away or even if we do think of it in the UK, it’s where a steel factory has closed down or a coal mine.

“It’s got very stereotypical imagery associated with it and I think its reinforced by the media but when you look at the government statistics, 60 per cent of the people below the poverty line are working families. They are trying to contribute to society, being role models to their children if they are parents and contributing and yet two thirds of these people are living below the poverty line.”

The brutal reality and effect on low-income families and those living on the streets is unjustifiable and the need for food and hygiene banks has increased drastically.

Abbie Brain, Brighton Hygiene Bank co-ordinator, said: “Through awareness and education I think it’s important we speak up about this subject and break the taboo.”

Individuals can help out by becoming volunteers like Abbie.

She said: “If anyone wants to get involved there are so many ways to do so. Set up a collection point in your office, put together a little parcel of products, donate a toothbrush to your local drop off.

“Or even talk about the subject – conversation is important.”

In Brighton and Hove, there are currently two drop-off points – Wastenot Shop, in The Open Market and Brewdog on Grand Parade.

From this, The Hygiene Bank have set-up a Christmas campaign called #ITSINTHEBAG.

The principle is simple – help provide a gift for someone experiencing poverty this holiday season.

Lizzy said: “There are a lot of brilliant schemes at Christmas that provide Christmas presents to children but there is nothing really dedicated for the parents and adults, so our focus is really on giving something to them.”

To donate for #ITSINTHEBAG, the guidelines are simple.

Find an old bag (not a carrier bag) and decide whether it is going to be for a man or woman, placing in hygiene essentials. Whatever you believe is essential in your daily hygiene routine could be included, even a luxury item. Lizzy added: “Add in a Christmas card so the recipients know you are thinking of them.”

It is about providing a fragment of light and happiness to those unable to buy their own hygiene items, which is so important during the holiday season.

Donate this Christmas to show those struggling that there are people out there who care.

To find out more about The Hygiene Project visit www.thehygienebank.com