The publisher is encouraging readers to donate unneeded toiletries in Boots stores nationwide and online
As pupils prepare to go back to school, a Boots-commissioned survey of 500 schoolteachers has shown that UK hygiene poverty is a rising concern. Hygiene poverty ranges from unbrushed teeth to unwashed hair or PE kit.
69% surveyed felt that it was a reality in their school and the same proportion said the problem had worsened over the pandemic.
With those suffering from hygiene poverty also potentially suffering from stigma or bullying at school, Boots and the grassroots initiative The Hygiene Bank teamed up as part of the pharmacy’s “Right to feel good” campaign, starting a wider conversation about how we can all help.
Now, Reach’s national titles have backed the campaign to give the cause an even bigger platform, including using case studies showing everyday people’s initiatives to tackle the problem in their communities.
In an open letter to readers, the editors of the Daily Express, the Mirror and the Daily Star explained why they should get involved: “We believe it’s not right that feeling clean should be a luxury for anyone in our society, yet many people are living in poverty and cannot afford the means to do so.
“And a lot of children are facing the prospect of returning to school without access to products such as soap, shower gel or toothpaste.”
The editors added: “That’s why we’ve teamed up with Boots to support its partnership with The Hygiene Bank in providing essential hygiene products for families across the UK.
“Together we can make sure every child goes back to school feeling clean this September.”
