Reality TV star Georgia Harrison and musician Izzy Judd have teamed up to raise awareness on the increasing number of families choosing between daily essentials and food.
The former Love Island contestant and Izzy Judd, a musician and wife of Harry Judd of Mcfly, engaged in various activities, mingling with volunteers and supporters at The Hygiene Bank.
Their participation aimed to highlight the increasing number of people who struggle to afford basic hygiene products.
A recent survey of 500 adults currently experiencing hygiene poverty revealed that 83% are foregoing essentials like deodorant, toothpaste, and hot showers to ensure there’s enough food for their families.
Speaking about her collaboration with The Hygiene Bank, Izzy said: “It has really opened my eyes to the invaluable work that this charity does to help those in hygiene poverty.”
“It’s unbelievable to hear that adults in hygiene poverty cut back on hygiene products and food so there’s enough for their children in the summer holidays.”
For the fourth consecutive year, Unilever and Boots have joined forces to support The Hygiene Bank. The health and beauty retailer has pledged a minimum of 300,000 products to the charity through their donation campaign, which runs from 3rd July to 27th August.
Izzy added: “It’s so easy to support those families experiencing hygiene poverty by participating in their donation campaign.”
The findings of the report are stark, showing that nearly a quarter (24%) of parents go without meals to afford hygiene essentials, and over half (51%) sacrifice purchasing new clothes, not to mention scaling back on heating or air conditioning (31%) and skipping mouthwash (26%) in an effort to balance their budgets.
Concerningly, the study discovered that 13%, have skipped brushing their teeth altogether for multiple days to ration out how much toothpaste they use and 11% only brush on days they need to be present at work.
Furthermore, the survey found 7% of women reported using just one sanitary pad for an entire menstrual period, while 13% share personal care products with others to cut costs. Other sacrifices include 33% regularly choosing between toothpaste and deodorant due to budget constraints.
Despite the numerous financial hurdles, the data shows that a majority of 55% would feel uncomfortable discussing their struggles to afford hygiene products with others, and 52% are unaware of resources or initiatives that could assist them.
Hygiene poverty is a growing issue and 85% acknowledge that more awareness is needed and the impact it has both financial and mentally – from those surveyed by OnePoll.com, 58% confessed that experiencing hygiene poverty has taken a toll on their mental well-being.
Television personality Georgia Harrison expressed: “I can’t imagine going about my day-to-day life without feeling clean or having the basic hygiene products I need. It’s devastating how over four million adults do this every day, and the summer holidays are an even harder time for parents.”
The promotion will continue until 27th August, with customers who buy products from brands such as Dove, Tresemme, Radox, Sure, Lynx, Simple, Vaseline and Sheamoisture in Boots stores and online.
