Co-founders of hygienehub.ie Rosie McDonagh, Sorcha Killian and Ciara Dalton pictured at Hiking for Hygiene yesterday in conjunction with National Hygiene Week running from September 2-9. Hygiene Hub supports communities across the country with products they currently can’t afford.
Photo credit: Sasko Lazarov, photocall Ireland.
Hygiene Hub has launched Ireland’s third National Hygiene Week to raise awareness of hygiene poverty affecting people across the country. Hygiene poverty is the inability to afford the everyday hygiene items most of us take for granted, like shampoo, soap or toothbrushes and is affecting many across the country who are struggling with the increasing costs.
National Hygiene Week is taking place from 2nd – 9th September 2023. Since it was set up in late 2019, Hygiene Hub has sought to raise awareness about hygiene poverty and its impact on those ofus affected, and to challenge a society where hygiene poverty is on the rise. The week starts with the Hike for Hygiene fundraiser running in various locations nationwide. Participants can register their fundraising activity on hygienehub.ie, or make a direct donation to the event and are encouraged to use the hashtag #NationalHygieneWeek to help raise awareness across all social channels.
With the increased cost of living, hygiene poverty is affecting more and more people, not just those already receiving support, but people who are being forced to pay high rents, those who live in one-income households, or those working in minimum wage jobs. Hygiene Poverty results in people going without hygiene products to prioritise rent, bills or food. It can have serious implications for people’s health, increasing their risk of contracting illnesses as well as negatively impacting mental health and wellbeing. Hygiene poverty exists in Ireland and can result in parents reusing dirty nappies, whole households sharing one toothbrush, and being unable to wash clothes when necessary.
Launching National Hygiene Week Ciára Dalton, Head of Partnerships said: “This National Hygiene Week, we are encouraging the public #ReThinkPoverty by taking a moment to consider what the reality of poverty looks like in Ireland in 2023. We know that many in Ireland are struggling to afford the everyday essential hygiene items that most of us take for granted, and yet this issue remains hidden. We want to ensure that everyone in Ireland can access hygiene products to feel clean, confident and healthy, no matter their circumstances. Join us on our mission to challenge hygiene poverty by supporting us this National Hygiene Week.”
You can support Hygiene Hub by:
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Donating products to a local Drop Off Point
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Donating through their iDonate page
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Hosting a one-off hygiene drive at work or school
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Volunteering for a local Hub
To find out more visit : www.hygienehub.ie/nhw.
