Families are running out of deodorant, toothpaste and hot baths to feed their children, according to research

REALITY star Georgia Harrison and McFly drummer’s wife Izzy Judd are raising awareness about hygiene poverty.

The former Love Island contestant and musician took part in a range of activities, interacting with volunteers and supporters of The Hygiene Bank.

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Their involvement aimed to shed light on the growing number of people struggling to afford basic hygiene products.

The initiative coincides with a survey carried out among 500 adults in a situation of hygiene poverty, which concluded that they do not have essential goods such as deodorant, toothpaste and hot showers to ensure that their families can afford meals.

And 83% have personally reduced daily essentials to ensure there is enough for their children during the school holidays.

Talking about your partnership with The Hygiene BankIzzy, who is married to McFly’s Harry Judd, said: “It really opened my eyes to the invaluable work this charity does to help those living in hygiene poverty.

“It’s unbelievable to hear that adults in hygiene poverty have reduced their hygiene products and food so that there is enough for their children over the summer holidays.

“For the fourth year running, from 3 July to 27 August, Unilever and Boots are teaming up to support this charity and donate a minimum of 300,000 products to those in need.

“It’s so easy to support families facing hygiene poverty by participating in their donation campaign.”

The study also found that a quarter (24 percent) even skip meals to buy toiletries, while 51 percent go without new clothes, heating or air conditioning (31 percent) and mouthwash (26 percent) to survive.

Of those who have had to give up hygiene products due to the cost, 33 percent regularly choose between buying toothpaste – or deodorant.

While 13% went days without brushing their teeth, 11% only did so on the days they went to work.

And 7% were forced to use a single sanitary pad for an entire period, while 13% share toiletries with others in an attempt to save money.

It was found that 55 percent do not feel confident talking to others about the difficulties of purchasing hygiene products.

And 52 percent are unaware of any available resources or initiatives they can turn to to help them with their difficulties.

More than eight in 10 (85 percent) believe more needs to be done to raise awareness among people suffering from hygiene poverty.

Another 78 percent are uncomfortable with the idea that someone shouldn’t have access to basic hygiene products.

And those who participated in the study OnePoll. with58 percent confessed that living in poor hygiene had a negative impact on their mental health.

Georgia added: “I can’t imagine living my everyday life without feeling clean or without having the basic toiletries I need.

“It’s devastating how more than four million adults do this every day, and the summer holidays are even harder for parents.”

The incentive runs until August 27, with customers who purchase products from Dove, Tresemme, Radox, Sure, Lynx, Simple, Vaseline and Sheamoisture in-store and online helping Unilever donate a minimum of 300,000 products to The Hygiene Bank .

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