HYGIENE poverty is a hidden yet very real problem throughout the UK with more than 14 million people affected in someway, 60 per cent of those living in poverty are working families and astonishingly 4.5 million of those are children.

People are facing the choice of buying food or hygiene products and food is taking priority.

Of those, 37 per cent have had to go without hygiene and grooming essentials due to lack of funds.

The Hygiene Bank has been launched in Crediton to tackle these issues head-on and is being co-ordinated by Louise Martin.

Louise recently launched the campaign #itsinthebag .

She explained: “You find a bag, and gradually fill it with new and unused hygiene essentials, beauty and personal care products, then simply take it to your local hygiene bank drop off point.

“The items you donate will be distributed to schools, women’s refuges, hostels, children’s centres and any organisation working to support those desperately in need.”

There are currently donation points at the Tesco store at Wellparks, Co-Op Crediton, Crediton Library, The Red Deer, Crediton Town Council and in Exeter at The Mint Methodist Church Centre in Fore Street.

Turning Tides in Crediton has a donation box for eco friendly products only.

Items which would be welcomed in the donation boxes are: toothpaste, toothbrush (child/adult), shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, razors, shaving foam, deodorant, hairbrush/hair ties, nit comb/nit shampoo, sanitary products, nappies, baby wipes, toilet roll and laundry detergent.

For further details please contact Louise by email at: [email protected] or visit the “Facebook” page: https://www.facebook.com/The-Hygiene-Bank-for-Crediton-Exeter-100312881394292/ .