Toiletries

Have you visited your local food bank?

Alongside the standard food parcel, food banks provide other essential non-food items to adults and children in crisis.

You can get any of the following from your local foodbank:

• Toiletries including deodorant, toilet paper, shower gel, shaving gel, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and hand wipes
• Household items including laundry liquid detergent, laundry powder and washing up liquid
• Feminine products including sanitary towels and tampons
• Baby supplies including nappies, baby wipes and baby food
• Face masks and hand sanitiser

If you have a child under 18

First Days charity provides support to families with children, up to the age of 18. As well as nappies, they provide toiletries for children and young people (including shampoo, body wash and deodorant).

Period product schemes

The period product scheme is available to all state-maintained schools and 16-19 education organisations in England. It provides free period products to girls and women who need them in their place of study.

Morrisons has a nationwide initiative, Package For Sandy, which aims to tackle period poverty. The service is available for customers in need, who can access a discreet package of sanitary protection products – across all its stores.

Anyone who needs period products can also text 211 or visit 211.org to find their nearest service.

The Hygiene Bank

People and businesses donate products to The Hygiene Bank, which distributes to local organisations, services, charities and projects working to support children, families and individuals in need.

If you work in healthcare, the Armed Forces, or the emergency services

Blue Light Card

A Blue Light Card costs £4.99 for two years and you’ll need your work ID or a recent payslip to prove you’re eligible. It offers discounts at over 15,000 high street and online stores and covers lots of areas including insurance, phones, cars, and days out.