Hygiene Hub has launched Ireland’s fourth National Hygiene Week to raise awareness of hygiene poverty, which is 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. Data shows that the monthly average costs of hygiene items have increased by 25% since 2021.
National Hygiene Week is taking place from 9th – 15th September 2024. Since it was set up in late 2019, Hygiene Hub has sought to raise awareness about hygiene poverty and its impact on those of us affected and to call for equal access to hygiene items for all. The week closes with the Hike for Hygiene fundraiser running in various locations across the country. Participants can register their fundraising activity on hygienehub.ie/hikeforhygiene, 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 many across the country still feeling a financial pinch, 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 in order 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 #SpreadKindness to those who need a helping hand. 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 has access to hygiene products to feel clean, confident and healthy, no matter their circumstances. Join us on our mission to challenge hygiene poverty by spreading kindness with us during National Hygiene Week.”
You can support Hygiene Hub by:
- Donating products to a local Drop Off Point
- Donating through their iDonate page
- Hosting a one-off hygiene drive at work or school
- Volunteering for a local Hub
To find out more visit : www.hygienehub.ie/nhw
