Thousands of hygiene items donated after BBC appeal

Thousands of toiletries have been donated through a BBC appeal to help people who cannot afford basic essentials.

More than 70 collection points were set up in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as part of the BBC Radio Solent Soapbox Appeal.

The items, including new and unused bathroom and cleaning products, have been sent to charities to distribute.

The national charity Hygiene Bank UK estimates there are 4.2 million adults in the UK in hygiene poverty.

Southampton City Libraries said it collected more than 1,000 articles at six collection points.

Simon Padmore, from the service, said: "There was an amazing amount of random items. It just shows how generous everyone is."

The Big Difference charity in Southampton said: "This is going to help people massively.

"There are so many kids that we know of that don't have access to some of these things."

Jon Sloper, from Help and Kindness in Dorchester, said: "We're seeing children not going to school because they haven't got period products.

"Poverty is poverty. Sometimes toiletries become a tipping point and become a luxury."

Libraries and other community hubs appealed for donations throughout January.

They collected goods ranging from toothpaste and feminine hygiene products to more luxury items such as aftershave.

Appeal organiser Helen Head, from BBC Radio Solent's Make a Difference campaign, said the generosity of listeners was "lovely to see".

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.