Did you know about a national charity that has a local branch in Tamworth and help local residents to lead a dignified life?
Tamworth Hygiene Bank is a local branch of a national charity, the Hygiene Bank, which was only established a couple of years ago.
Marie Ballard, the co-ordinator for Tamworth, gathered a small group of friends together in Autumn 2019 and within weeks the Tamworth Hygiene Bank was up and running.
The Hygiene Bank believe each and every one of us should have a dignified life. It’s not right that feeling clean should be a luxury or a privilege for anyone in our society, yet many of us are living in poverty and can’t afford to be clean.
That’s why their network of banks exists – to give people access to the basics they need. They’re a grassroots, people-powered charity and social movement, grounded in community.
Their passions stem from a sense of injustice that anyone should be locked out of living a decent, dignified life, so they work to inspire social change.
Many people were struggling before the COVID-19 pandemic hit us all. In Tamworth, as elsewhere in the country, people are needing to self-isolate, or shield, due to the virus itself but also because they have health problems which put them at greater risk.
How do they work?
They collect new, unused and in-date toiletries, hygiene basics, beauty and personal care and household cleaning essentials - such as deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, make-up, nappies, loo roll, laundry detergent and surface cleaner.
Currently their main `Drop Off point’ is at the Tamworth Self Isolation Support Group (TSISG) hub at Sacred Heart Church, Silver Link Road and there is also a collection point at the Peel Medical Practice.
You can also donate by buying online from EASHO, where you will find their current wishlist.
Once Tamworth Hygiene Bank receives items they are then sorted and made into packs for people who their charity partners know are in need. This might be individuals, couples, families or schools and other organisations working within the community.
Currently, Tamworth Hygiene Bank is working with local schools, Citizens Advice Bureau, Sure Start and Tamworth Self Isolation Support Group.
In May 2020 alone, Tamworth Hygiene Bank received 505kg of donations. This was made into packs :
- TSISG - 310 packs (325 kgs)
- CAB - 3 packs( 22.9 kg)
- Fazeley Wellbeing project - 3 packs (26.8 kg)
- Local schools - 5 packs (147.8 kg).
- Foodbank - (88.5 kg)
- Glascote Nursery - 5 packs(54 Kg)
Their hard work continues and they are asking people to support them in any way they can.
