Written by Lucy Reynolds, VP Communications & CSR

Over the last few weeks, Boots and the The Hygiene Bank have worked together to help millions of children return to school with confidence.

Together we have shone a light on hygiene poverty in U.K. schools, bringing the issue to the fore and showing the public how they can help.

The majority of teachers in a recent survey said that they have children in their classes who don’t have regular access to hygiene products including toothpaste and brushes, soap and deodorant. Many told of the power of basic hygiene products to increase confidence, self esteem and enable healthy living - and in light of Covid-19 - stay safe.

Throughout our campaign I heard first-hand from teachers who are trying to help the children they see every day; children who are worried about keeping their kit clean for PE or if they can afford the products to protect themselves when they start their period, instead of concentrating on the board in front of them.

This is why this issue can sometimes carry a stigma for both children and their families in the face of social pressures, the fear of bullying and having to make tough choices between feeding their loved ones and keeping them clean- a choice that both Boots and the Hygiene Bank, think no family should have to make.

I feel passionately that it is important that we continuously break down this taboo and use our platforms to enhance awareness of The Hygiene Bank, their work and the need for donations to help people experiencing hygiene poverty- this unfortunately is not an issue that can be solved easily.

You can help by donating essential products to The Hygiene Bank (with the most urgent need being for basics like soap, deodorant and dental care) at donation points in over 400 stores; You can find your closest store here or purchase e-vouchers from Boots.com with vouchers for £3.00, £5.00 or £10.00 can be added to basket with the donation going directly to The Hygiene Bank.

I’m proud to confirm that Boots also donates 4 products for every 1kg of product donated in store by our customers and team members to support The Hygiene Bank

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated over the past few weeks and to all our team members who volunteered helped with collections and distribution to those in need. You really are making a difference.

To find out more about how you can join Boots to support The Hygiene Bank, visit boots.com/TheHygieneBank.