- Funding will provide hygiene essentials to families on a waiting list
- It’s the ninth project to reach ‘We Are Tamworth’ crowdfunding goal
- Community groups are encouraged to apply for future rounds of funding
A vital community project will be able to support more families facing hygiene poverty in Tamworth after raising almost £7,000 through a recent crowdfunding campaign.
The Hygiene Bank is the ninth project to secure funding as part of the We Are Tamworth programme, which has so far raised more than £84,000 to strengthen and support communities in the town.
This latest boost to the charity’s coffers means more local families in financial hardship can receive essential toiletries and washing supplies that many take for granted.
It will also support the development of The Hygiene Bank’s first dedicated premises, where it hopes to be able to receive more donations to service the growing demand, and attract more volunteers.
The Tamworth branch of the national Hygiene Bank charity was set up by volunteer Marie Ballard in 2019, working with a small team to collect and distribute thousands of pounds worth of toiletries every year.
They work closely with schools, family hubs, foodbanks and community organisations to provide hygiene packs of basic items such as detergent, washing up liquid, nappies, sanitary products, toothpaste and deodorant.
The Hygiene Bank already supports 35 local partners, including 26 schools and nurseries, but there are still organisations on a waiting list, desperate for help.
Marie said: “Hygiene poverty is something many people feel embarrassed to talk about, but the need for support continues to grow. For some families, everyday items like shampoo, deodorant or washing powder are simply unaffordable. They are bottom of the list when trying to stay warm and fed with a roof over their heads.
“This funding will make a huge difference. It means we can reach more people, support more schools and family hubs, and continue providing essential items to those who need them most.”
Millions of people are affected by hygiene poverty, with schools reporting the impact on children’s confidence, wellbeing and attendance.
In Tamworth, it’s estimated that 19.6% of young people are living in poverty, which amounts to more than 15,000 children.
The We Are Tamworth crowdfunding initiative, in partnership with Spacehive, is supported by the Community Recovery Fund – £600,000 allocated to Tamworth Borough Council to bring vital local projects to life.
The Hygiene Bank crowdfunding campaign received 48 pledges to raise a total of £6,904, including £4,380 from the Community Recovery Fund.
While it will have a significant impact, the work is ongoing, and Marie is always looking for more donations, volunteers and support from businesses. There are 12 drop off points around the town where donations can be left.
Marie added: “Last year we spent £8,000 on toiletries, which is in addition to community donations and those that come through nationally from big companies and supermarket chains. We distributed 12,500kg of products, but we’re still not meeting the demand. I don’t think people realise the scale of the problem, and it’s only getting worse, so any help is appreciated.
“Hygiene poverty has many knock-on effects, such as missed days off school, bullying, and poor oral health in children, but we know taking this off the list of worries makes a big difference.”
Councillor Carol Dean, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “The success of The Hygiene Bank Tamworth highlights the power of community-led projects to make a difference to people’s lives in a very real and tangible way. This is exactly what the We Are Tamworth programme is about.”
The next round of projects seeking funding through Spacehive will soon be going live, with further rounds planned in the summer. To find out more, visit https://www.spacehive.com/movement/tamworth/projects.
The We Are Tamworth programme is delivered by Tamworth Borough Council in partnership with Spacehive and funded through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s £600,000 Community Recovery Fund. The programme was created following the civil unrest in Tamworth on 4 August 2023 to enhance community cohesion and rebuild social trust.
To support Tamworth Hygiene Bank or find out more about the help available, please email tamworth@thehygienebank.com or phone 07885 999099.