Challenging hygiene poverty

The Hygiene Bank Ireland (THBI) has launched Ireland’s second National Hygiene Week to raise awareness of hygiene poverty, which is affecting people across the country. Hygiene poverty is the inability to afford the everyday hygiene items most of us take for granted like shampoo, soap, or toothbrushes, and is affecting many across the country who are struggling with the rising cost of living.

National Hygiene Week is taking place from 12th - 18th September 2022. Since it was set up in late 2019, The Hygiene Bank Ireland has sought to raise awareness about hygiene poverty and its impact on those of us affected and to challenge a nation where hygiene poverty is on the rise. The week concludes with the Hike for Hygiene fundraiser running in various locations across the country. Participants can register their fundraising activity on thehygienebank.ie, or make a direct donation to the event and are encouraged to use the hashtag #NationalHygieneWeek to help raise awareness across all social channels.

With the rising cost of living, hygiene poverty is affecting more and more people, not just those already receiving support, but people who are being forced to pay high rents, those who live in one-income households, or those working in minimum wage jobs. Hygiene Poverty results in people going without hygiene products in order to prioritise rent, bills, or food. It can have serious implications for people’s health, increasing their risk of contracting illnesses as well as negatively impacting mental health and wellbeing. Hygiene poverty exists in Ireland and can result in parents reusing dirty nappies, whole households sharing one toothbrush, and being unable to wash clothes when necessary.

Launching National Hygiene Week Ciára Dalton, Head of Campaigns said: “Hygiene Poverty continues to affect people all across Ireland. With 41%* of the population cutting back on, or going without hygiene items as a result of their financial situation, it has never been more important to raise awareness of hygiene poverty. We also need to reduce the stigma surrounding it and ensure that everyone in Ireland has access to hygiene products to feel clean, confident, and healthy, no matter their circumstances. Join us on our mission to challenge hygiene poverty by supporting us this National Hygiene Week."

HOW TO SUPPORT EVENT

You can support The Hygiene Bank Ireland by:

•Donating products to a local Drop Off Point

•Donating through their iDonate page

•Hosting a one-off hygiene drive at work or school

•Volunteering for a local THBI Project

To find out more visit: www.thehygienebank.ie/nhw.