Last updated on February 26th, 2025 at 09:19 am
Sarah Hunter, The Helpful Hygienist, recently approached us as she wanted to donate 1,000 toothbrushes to her local Hygiene Bank project in honour of her reaching 1,000 followers on Instagram.
We connected Sarah with Joanna at The Hygiene Bank West Northumberland and then, as it’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, sat down with them to chat all things oral health and hygiene poverty.
Sarah explains “I first became aware of the issue of hygiene poverty after the Covid lockdowns. I read an article in a dental hygienist journal, talking about the great work The Hygiene Bank was doing, and how some families were having to share a toothbrush. This made me so sad.”
She goes on to say “I started an Instagram page to give people advice and tips about improving their oral health. So many people have no access to dental care in the UK I thought giving helpful tips that anybody can do would help.”
Joanna, the project co-ordinator at The Hygiene Bank West Northumberland is incredibly grateful for Sarah’s donation. She tells us, “I love seeing the tangible impact that donations have on people’s lives. Knowing that something as simple as a hygiene product can restore dignity and confidence is incredibly rewarding.
There’s a significant need in the area for hygiene products, particularly for families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. The demand for these items is growing, and the support we provide makes a real difference.”
“Through our efforts, we’ve supported numerous families and individuals across the community, providing essential items that improve their day-to-day lives. One of the projects we work with has 400 members that we regularly support, ensuring they have access to basic hygiene products. Other projects have 20. The need is huge generally” Joanna adds.
Sarah’s donation, along with the other donations received at The Hygiene Bank West Northumberland mean a great deal to the local community. Joanna tells us “the feedback [from those who have benefited] has been overwhelmingly positive, mostly verbally. People often express their gratitude and share how receiving hygiene products has lifted a burden off their shoulders. It warms my heart.”
Things are looking positive at this project, and Joanna shares this lovely compliment to Sue, from the Central Team: “The central team has been fantastic in providing guidance, resources, and encouragement. Their support ensures that the project runs smoothly and that we can maximize our impact. I would also like to give a special thanks to Sue, who has been incredibly supportive throughout my time here. Her guidance and encouragement have been invaluable.”
