Cost of living pressures forcing some families in North Yorkshire to share a toothbrush
The Hygiene Bank Charity says many are taking fewer showers to cut costs
We're hearing how some families in North Yorkshire are being forced to share the same toothbrush - because they can't afford new ones.
A new report from the hygiene bank charity suggests a big rise in the numbers struggling to buy the basics.
Vicky Hardwick is the coordinator of project in York and says they've had so many requests - they've had to turn some down: "Hygiene are the first thing that they stop buying, you could probably use washing up liquid to wash your hair, but that shouldn't be the case, you should be able to have shampoo and shower gel, there are people who cannot go to school because they haven't got period products. We can't have that it's just not right."
She tells us about one recent request for help from a school in York: "Families that were all using the same toothbrush, the uniforms were dirty and so the teachers were washing the uniforms when they got there."
A study has been released by the Hygiene Bank to coincide with fuel poverty awareness day.
Hygiene Bank study
For many of us, a daily shower is a big part of our routine. In fact, 50% of us say it is important for our mental wellbeing, and most of us say we would feel uncomfortable going to a social occasion (67%) or work (59%) without a shower.
However, over a quarter (26%) of respondents to this latest study said they will be taking fewer showers this winter to reduce costs, with that increasing to 1 in 3 (35%) of those on annual income of £15,000 or less. This is particularly concerning as 14.8m million UK adults are concerned about their ability to afford shower products over the winter period meaning many could fall into hygiene poverty.
The new research by The Hygiene Bank also reveals that 55% would feel ashamed if they had to cut down on showers because they can’t afford hygiene products or the price of bills (52%), highlighting both the health and self-esteem implications of hygiene poverty.
The Hygiene Bank say they believes it is not right that feeling clean should be a luxury or a privilege. That is why its network of projects exists, to be able to give people access to the basics they need.
To find out more visit their website.