Concern over number of children in York without access to basic hygiene products
The York Hygiene Bank has started working with several schools in the City
Volunteers in York are now working with schools to help provide basics like toothbrushes, soap and shampoo to children in need.
The hygiene bank in the City say they've had several requests for help from teachers who are worried their pupils are going without.
Vicky Hardwick runs the project says it's a heart-breaking situation for many struggling with the cost of living: "People will stop buying hygiene products long before they stop buying food. They'll start to dilute things, shampoos that sort of thing. They'll stop using toothbrushes or toothpaste, the whole family will end up using one toothbrush. It will be bills first, then food, then hygiene products."
Vicky explains they've been contacted by several schools who are concerned about their pupils but as a small organisation there is only so much they can do to help: "We're a very small team, I've had to say no to a few and I really don't like doing that at all, but we are stretched as it is."