The Hygiene Bank (THB) Blackpool is run by Sarah Smith and Heather Martin, part of the executive team at Christ the King Academy. Sarah and Heather work across two schools within the Academy, both within an area of high deprivation. We’re spotlighting the incredible work they are doing to ensure that students and their families have a network in place to mitigate the effects of hygiene poverty.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as requests for food, they started to notice increasing numbers of people struggling for hygiene essentials such as soap, shower gel and period products.
Because of this need, THB Blackpool was founded, and they now distribute to 14 Community Partners, including other schools, food banks, homelessness services and family charities. Each Community Partner has their own set of needs, and the team work hard to meet the demand.
“We love that we are able to help those in need in a small way…we hope that we can make things a little bit better for them” Heather, THB Blackpool
One of the Community Partners that THB Blackpool work with is Westminster Primary Academy, which is situated in one of the most deprived areas of Blackpool – there are just over 400 children on role and almost 300 of those children receive free school meals.
The staff know their families well and are keen to build positive relationships. Alerts are sent out when weekly food and hygiene product deliveries arrive, and staff also signpost to food and fuel vouchers, and Blackpool Discretionary Support if needed.
Westminster Academy have reported that since the cost-of-living crisis, there has been an increase in assistance needed. Many parents are working, but on temporary or zero hours contracts. Hygiene poverty has a wide-ranging impact – there have been requests for head lice treatment, which is expensive and not available on the NHS, period products and replacement underwear, toilet rolls, laundry items and soap.
“We see for ourselves how hygiene poverty impacts children and families” Sarah, THB Blackpool
Heather, Sarah and the team from THB Blackpool are incredibly grateful for the encouragement of the people of the town. They receive donations that shoppers have dropped off at collection points in Boots stores across the town and there is a great sense of community spirit surrounding the project. THB Blackpool have also received donations from brands that support The Hygiene Bank, which are made into donation packs for Community Partners.
With Heather and Sarah having day jobs in education, they don’t often see beyond this environment, but being a part of THB Blackpool means that they’re linking with outside organisations and facilitating real change at grass roots level. They recently took part in National Hygiene Week, with some students performing outside Blackpool Tower to raise awareness of THB.
They have also shared their thoughts for anyone thinking about starting a new project, advising that once a delivery chain is set up, to make sure it is sustainable, and you have the right resources.
If you’ve been inspired to donate products to support your local THB project, you can find your local drop off point here. You can also register your interest in volunteering here.
