Grant helps charity provide hygiene 'lifeline'

Struggling families have been given "lifeline" bags containing essential toiletries

A charity that provides a "lifeline" to families facing hygiene poverty has received a fundraising boost.

Southend Care Bank has been given £1,000 through the Tesco Community Pledge in partnership with Easyfunding.

Through the funding, the charity will now be able to provide 50 hygiene bags to families who need the most financial help over the summer holidays.

The packs will include essential toiletries, including shampoo, deodorant, detergent, nappies, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Charlotte Wood, treasurer at Southend Care Bank, said "more and more families" had started to use the care bank, with just under 500 currently registered.

She said the service was a "real lifeline", adding: "Children struggling to get deodorant or period products may face bullying at school and not be included in social situations, which can lead to depression.

"Dental hygiene is also a huge issue right across the country so giving out free toothbrushes and toothpaste to families makes a huge difference."

People supported by the charity include refugees and families in temporary or emergency housing.

The care bank initially formed as a collective in December 2020 in response to the cost-of-living crisis and the lack of provision of hygiene products at food banks.

Now a registered charity, it runs monthly drop-in sessions at St Mark's Centre and Westcliff Library.