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Devon hygiene charity faces surge in demand

BBC Shelves of hygiene products in a warehouseBBC
Donations are stored in a warehouse before being distributed by foodbanks

The North Devon Hygiene Bank has said it has already given out more products in the nine months of this year than it did in the whole of last year.

The charity, which is based in Barnstaple, collects donations of toiletries from companies and consumers which are then distributed through organisations like the North Devon Food Bank and Inspire South West.

Project coordinator Sian Jenkins said: "We have seen a rise in demand year on year because of the cost of living."

She added: "There are families using washing-up liquid for their dishes and also their hair. We have households who only have one toothbrush between the family and mothers with newborn babies that are having to reuse the nappies."

A bag from the hygiene bank containing donations of toiletries. There is also a box of shaving gel to the right of the bag.
Bags of products are prepared for distribution in schools and community centres

In the past nine months, the North Devon Hygiene Bank has given out 5,060kg (11,155lb) of products through their partners, more than a 25% increase on last year's total of 405kg (892lb).

Ms Jenkins said that there was a huge social stigma attached to not having access to hygiene products and that it could also have an impact on job prospects and mental health.

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