Reality TV star Georgia Harrison and musician Izzy Judd have teamed up with The Hygiene Bank to help combat hygiene poverty. The two got stuck in with various activities at The Hygiene Bank, mingling with volunteers and supporters.
Their efforts were aimed at highlighting the increasing number of people who can’t afford basic hygiene products.
A recent survey of 500 adults currently facing hygiene poverty revealed a shocking 83% are skipping essentials like deodorant, toothpaste, and hot showers to ensure their families have enough food.
Speaking about her collaboration with The Hygiene Bank, Izzy said: “It has really opened my eyes to the invaluable work that this charity does to help those in hygiene poverty.”
“It’s unbelievable to hear that adults in hygiene poverty cut back on hygiene products and food so there’s enough for their children in the summer holidays.”
For the fourth year running, Unilever and Boots have joined forces to support The Hygiene Bank. The health and beauty retailer has promised a minimum of 300,000 products through their donation campaign, running from 3rd July to 27th August.
(Image: PinPep)
Izzy added: “It’s so easy to support those families experiencing hygiene poverty by participating in their donation campaign.”
The shocking findings have revealed that a staggering 24% of parents are skipping meals to afford basic hygiene necessities. Moreover, over half (51%) are sacrificing new clothes and even heating or air conditioning (31%), with essentials like mouthwash being cut back by 26% to stretch the budget.
Even more concerning is the fact that a third of those struggling (33%) face tough choices daily, deciding between toothpaste or deodorant purchases. In drastic measures to save on product consumption, 13% of participants admitted to not brushing their teeth for days, and 11% only freshened up on workdays.
Disturbingly, some had no choice but to use one sanitary pad for an entire menstrual period (7%), while others share personal hygiene items to cut costs (13%).
Despite these hardships, a significant majority (55%) wouldn’t feel comfortable discussing their inability to pay for hygiene products, and 52% were unaware of any assistance programs available.
Yet, the research showed that 85% agree more awareness is needed around hygiene poverty, and the survey by OnePoll.com found that living in such conditions negatively affected the mental health of 58% of those questioned.
TV personality Georgia Harrison weighed in with compassion, saying: “I can’t imagine going about my day-to-day life without feeling clean or having the basic hygiene products I need. It’s devastating how over four million adults do this every day, and the summer holidays are an even harder time for parents.”
The promotion, which includes brands such as Dove, Tresemme, Radox, Sure, Lynx, Simple, Vaseline and Sheamoisture, will be available in Boots stores and online until 27th August.