Kind Gap staff back Dignity Box scheme

Store is latest business to donate toiletries

A West Lothian shop is the latest business to support a campaign that is making free toiletries available to those who need them most.

The GAP Outlet in Livingston is backing the Dignity Boxes scheme.

Spearheaded by Edinburgh Napier lecturer Isabel Dosser, the boxes will be placed in specific areas across the region and will offer a range of toiletries including s hampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap and shower gel.

The first box was made available at leading homeless charity Social Bite’s Shandwick Place shop in September. Further boxes have now been installed in a range of locations, including at Daisy Drop-in in Craigshill and the Dale in West Lothian.

The GAP Outlet store in Livingston is the latest business to have committed to donating toiletries to the campaign, with each staff donation match-funded by the business itself.

For Isabel, a lecturer in palliative care within the University’s School of Health and Social Care, the campaign is a chance to give something back to those less fortunate than herself.

She said: “The idea really stems from my time at a nursing conference last year.

“Working in nursing all my life, I’ve always been aware of the benefits and welfare available to people. But after attending workshops in poverty at the conference, I began to think about ways I could help others.

“After learning about a voluntary service (COPE) in Glasgow that provide advice and free sanitary products, I came up with the idea of the Dignity Box – a selection of free toiletries placed in areas across Lothian experiencing deprivation.

“I’m a firm believer little things make a big difference. The aim of the Dignity Box is to promote in a small way, self-worth and dignity by allowing those in need to take what they cannot afford or get access to without having to ask or thank anyone.

“I’m very grateful to staff at GAP in Livingston to committing to donate toiletries to the campaign and it’s fantastic the business ha s a l s o committed to matching donations that are made.

“This will be a massive help in making sure our boxes remain full.

“We’re appealing to anyone who can donate items to the box, or host a donation box, to come forward – together we can all make a difference to the lives of others.”

The campaign is asking for donations of shampoo/ conditioner, shower gel, soap, shaving foam, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

These can be donated at iPoint receptions at any of Edinburgh Napier’s campuses or organised direct with Isabel at i.dosser@napier.ac.uk

Companies and local businesses can also request donation box or discuss sponsoring a box in one area for a specific period.