A CHARITY that uses community initiatives to tackle hygiene poverty, has opened their first drop-off point in Salisbury.

Hygiene poverty is not being able to afford many of the everyday hygiene and personal grooming products a lot of people take for granted.

A drop-off point has now been opened in Boston Tea Party in the Old George Mall, by project coordinator Brogan du Plooy. 

du Plooy, 29, first learnt about the Hygiene Bank in January.

After looking on the charity’s website for her local drop-off point, she discovered its absence in the Salisbury area, and took on the responsibility to lead a project herself.

Aiming to tackle Hygiene Poverty, which is affecting three million people in the UK, The Hygiene Bank uses drop off points to collect hygiene products.

These can include personal hygiene products, like soap or period products, as well as household cleaning products, like laundry detergents and washing up liquid. These are then sorted and given to community partners, such as homeless charities and food banks, to distribute them to those in need.

Brogan spoke to some community partners in the area, and learnt about the extent of hygiene poverty in the UK.

“Speaking to them, they’ve shared stories that are heart breaking. Parents having to use washing up liquid to wash their children - because they can’t afford to use soap or shampoo.” 

The drop off points aim to give people the products they can’t afford - which may otherwise be taken for granted. “It’s about trying to stop the fact that hygiene products should be a luxury or privilege for anyone. Everyone should be able to have access to them.”

Particularly with the festive period fast approaching, Brogan is urging the community to utilise the drop-off points.

“With Christmas coming up, so many people get bath products and shower products and things that they’re not necessarily going to use - so instead of it going to waste - I would say drop it in the box.”

Brogan is determined to open more in upcoming months.

“We are on the lookout for as many drop-off points as we can get,” she told the Journal, “the more we set up, the better, as we’ll be able to support more people - which is the aim.”

In other parts of the UK, drop off points are located in various settings, from churches to libraries. 

“We are new, but we would love to have more drop off points in Salisbury, so any businesses or churches, cafes or whatever, if anyone would like to host a drop off point, that would be amazing!” Brogan added. 

Another drop-off point is due to come to Boots in the new year. Boots partner with the charity, and already have many drop off points in their stores across the UK. 

And as well as donations, The Hygiene Bank relies on the support of volunteers.

Volunteers help with collecting, dropping off boxes, donation drives in supermarkets and schools, and even social media.

Anyone who would like to offer their time can contact Brogan at salisbury@thehygienebank.com