Demand for Hygiene Hub services in Kilkenny greater than ever - can you help?

This September 8th-14th, Ireland celebrates its fifth National Hygiene Week, a nationwide campaign led by Hygiene Hub, the charity aiming to tackle hygiene poverty in Ireland.

The week aims to raise awareness about the impact hygiene poverty is having on those struggling with the cost of living, but also to mark five years since Hygiene Hub was founded - an anniversary underscored by the rising demand for its services. 

Hygiene poverty, the inability to afford the everyday hygiene items most of us take for granted like shampoo, deodorant or toothpaste, continues to affect thousands of households across Ireland.

The Kilkenny Volunteer Centre host act as a ‘drop off point’ for donations of personal and household hygiene products, these donations are shared by our volunteers to charities and community groups in Kilkenny.  Click the arrows above for more photographs of Kilkenny Hygiene Hub coordinator Ann Little with local groups, and all the details of how to help in Kilkenny.

Hygiene Hub, founded in 2020, has grown into a vital support network, distributing nearly 100,000kg of products to individuals and families in need through its wide network of community partners. 

Despite these achievements, the charity warns that demand is higher than ever as the cost of living continues to place further strain on many, with 70 organisations currently on their waitlist. Data also shows that the monthly average costs of hygiene items have increased by 29% since 2021. Click the arrows above for more photographs and all the details of how to help in Kilkenny.