Hygiene poverty is a growing issue in the UK, affecting millions of individuals and families who are forced to choose between basic hygiene products and other essential needs like food and housing. At Salt of the Earth, we are dedicated to helping combat this crisis through our partnership with The Hygiene Bank, a national charity working tirelessly to provide hygiene essentials to those in need. We are especially proud to support local efforts in Winchester and Romsey, where two dedicated projects are making a significant impact.
Understanding Hygiene Poverty: The Hygiene Bank’s 2024 report paints a stark picture: hygiene poverty now affects 4.2 million adults across the UK. The inability to afford basic items like deodorant, toothpaste, and shampoo not only impacts physical health but also contributes to mental health struggles, social isolation, and diminished self-esteem.
In Winchester and Romsey, the local Hygiene Bank projects are working under the national charity's umbrella to address these issues head-on. However, these projects receive no central funding and rely entirely on product donations, fundraising, and community support to continue their vital work.
These local projects are constantly on the lookout for product donations and fundraising opportunities. Whether it’s workplace or family collections, every contribution makes a difference.
The projects can even provide donation boxes for those interested in organising collections, making it easy for communities to get involved.
How You Can Help: There are many ways to support the Winchester and Romsey Hygiene Bank projects. Donations of new, unopened, and in-date personal and household hygiene products are always needed. These can be dropped off at various collection points, including:
- Waitrose (Winchester & Romsey)
- Sainsbury’s (Badger Farm, Winchester)
- The Body Shop (Winchester, Southampton, and Whiteley)
- Santander (Winchester)
- Tesco Extra (Easton Lane, Winchester)
- Richmond House Beauty (Otterbourne)
- Sparsholt Village Stores
- Hursley Village Stores
In addition to these locations, donation boxes can be found in Boots stores in Winchester (High Street and Weeke), Romsey, and Whiteley, with a new box planned for the Southampton High Street Boots later this year.
For those who prefer to donate online, goods can be purchased through Amazon or Common Good Wish Lists, with links available in the Instagram bios of @thbwinchester and @thb_romsey. These donations help ensure that essential items are available in sufficient quantities, especially those that are not commonly donated.
Celebrating One Year of Impact:
This week marks the first birthday of The Hygiene Bank Winchester! Over the past year, this dedicated local project has made a significant impact in the community by providing essential hygiene products to those in need. To help them continue their vital work, we've included a link to their JustGiving page, where you can contribute to their fundraising efforts. Every donation makes a difference in the fight against hygiene poverty!
