Why I’m fighting hygiene poverty
CHARANDEEP SINGH’S GLASGOW FOOD BANK ALSO GIVES OUT TOILETRIES TO THOSE WHO CAN’T AFFORD THEM. IT’S A SITUATION HE IS KEEN TO HIGHLIGHT
Charandeep Singh, 31, runs the Sikh Food Bank in south Glasgow. Every day he sees soap or toothpaste. for hygiene products,” says Charan deep. “And we’re seeing that more and more.”
Of course, hygiene poverty is not limited to Glasgow: it affects schools and communities across the UK.
Thankfully, one community initiative has been set up specifically to address this issue and ensure organisations such as Charandeep’s have the hygiene products they need. The Hygiene Bank, which is supported by Boots, believes that being clean is a basic human right. It collects new, unused, in-date personal care and household cleaning essentials, and distributes them to families in need through councils, charities and schools. It is The Hygiene Bank’s aim to ensure that eventually everyone in the UK has access to essential hygiene.
Boots hosts more than 400 dropoff bins in its stores across the UK where customers can donate items. It has pledged to donate four hygiene products for every kilogram donated in Boots stores.
Meanwhile, Charandeep and his team of volunteers are doing what they can: “With so many pressures facing young people today, it’s imperative that we give as much support as possible. We provide essential hygiene items so that they can feel their best every day and have the confidence to maximise their opportunities” he says.
“If you don’t feel clean, it affects your confidence, and adds to that feeling of being excluded.
“You’d be surprised at who is affected,” he adds. “We sup port people who are working but are still struggling. They might be in insecure jobs so their pay can go up or down from week to week. That makes it hard to budget.
“We know people can feel isolated and not take part because they are self-conscious. That isn’t right. There is so much stigma around this issue; it’s wrong that parents feel bad that they can’t provide these items.”
Charandeep has been heartened by people’s response to this issue though. “During this pandemic, we have all faced challenges and it’s been hugely inspiring to see different communities step up to work together and provide support.
“Just knowing that people are coming together to help those in need – with hygiene products and other items – gives me hope for the future.”
If you don’t feel clean, it affects your confidence and adds to that feeling of being excluded – and that isn’t right