The Oxfordshire Foster Care Association (OFCA) approached The Hygiene Bank (THB) at the end of 2023, to see whether they could benefit from THB’s support. As they’re an organisation that supports families across the county, THB Bicester and THB Oxford joined forces to see how they could help the association, which is considered a lifeline by so many people.
When OFCA first got in touch with Project Co-ordinator Andrea they asked if the project were able to support children going into foster care. Given that OFCA are an Oxfordshire-wide organisation, they decided it would be a great opportunity to work alongside Project Co-ordinator Anna at THB Bicester.
“Products… can be discretely offered to young people, who often arrive with nothing of their own.” Deb, OFCA
Anna makes up 10 bags per month, with age appropriate toiletries for children from birth to mid teenage. Children often arrive with nothing, so being able to provide vital hygiene products means that uncomfortable conversations can be prevented, young people have the independence to keep themselves clean, children can have products they don’t have to share and a smile is put on people’s faces.
The most often asked-for products include nappies, toothbrushes, toothpaste and shower gel. Feedback has included comments around saving children from having to ask embarrassing questions, and how some children had never been given anything nice before.
Anna agreed to share one particular story: “Charlie (an OFCA foster parent) once told me something that made me cry. I make toiletry bags and fill them with age-appropriate products for children going into care with OFCA. When one 11 year old was taken into their care, she was given one of the bags and was thrilled because for the first time in her life she had something including a toothbrush and hairbrush, that was only for her.”
The collaboration between THB Bicester and THB Oxford was born when Anna joined THB Bicester earlier in 2023. Andrea became Anna’s unofficial THB mentor and they have learnt plenty from each other.
“The best part of being a Project Co-ordinator is definitely the people I meet – this includes the fantastic and inspiring team from OFCA, volunteers and managers of other voluntary sector organisations or the generous people who donate to us.” Anna, THB Bicester Project Co-ordinator
Anna and her team at THB Bicester support 12 Community Partners in the area, who support a range of ages and needs. When a new CP comes on board, they write a wish list so that the team can distribute relevant products. THB Bicester are grateful that a wide range of products are donated, and then they fill any gaps with money received from grants.
No two days are the same for Anna and she does something related to THB almost every day. This includes collecting donated products at least once a week, sorting them and distributing them to at least two Community Partners every week (although this can be four or five).
Anna has felt well supported by THB and has appreciated the many people who have provided hints and tips along the way.
“One other great but unexpected outcome of coordinating, has been to become a member of an unofficial group of other managers from local voluntary sector groups. We share a lot, laugh a lot and support each other a lot!” Anna, THB Bicester
Anna also shared her advice for anyone thinking of starting a local project of The Hygiene Bank, and recommends forging relationships with Community Partnerships, local organisations and interested individuals.
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