Launching a New Lincoln Hygiene Bank Session:

Hygiene poverty is increasing and a BBC article said 6% of all adults in the UK are experiencing it. But for lower income households it I 13% and for disabled people it is 21%. These are shocking statistics for 2024 in the UK. In 2022 we launched the Lincoln Hygiene Bank at RCCG Victory Centre on Dixon Way, with sessions in a few locations across the city it was decided we need one in the city centre that is accessible by all in need. Monday 23^rd September TCfR launched a Lincoln Hygiene Bank session and Coffee and Chat at Central Methodist Church on the High Street. 

The Hygiene Bank was officially opened by the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Alan Briggs and the Chair, Rev. Steve Holt spoke about the need for hygiene support in the city. We were joined by TCfR Board members, members of LFC and different faith communities, Paul Carrick from LEAN and members of the Methodist Church. were there too. It was a lovely morning where, Laurie Shone, form Mitzvah Day Official, shared about their passion for working with TCfR in Lincoln and our wonderful interfaith work to support people at this time with hygiene support. As it was said at the launch if you have a little money left and you are choosing between bread and deodorant or milk and bleach you will always choose bread and milk. In order for us to keep all our hygiene sessions running and keep meeting the increasing demand we need mor volunteers to help and more donations. Many people donate to local food banks and this is wonderful but it would be wonderful if more people could support the Lincoln Hygiene Bank with donations this would be amazing. 

This year TCfR is working with Mitzvah Day official, a Jewish organisation, on November 24^th 2024 for Mitzvah Day (a day of giving back to local communities) we will be with them supporting hygiene poverty and trying to get as many donations of hygiene supplies as we can to ensure we can help more people this winter. TCfR and LFC will be hosting a joint Mitzvah and Seva Day on 24^th November. Seva is a Hindu concept of selfless service performed without any expectation. It will be a day of different faith communities coming together to support the Lincoln Hygiene Bank and ensure all sessions across the city have enough donations to meet the increasing demand.  

We are looking for a lead volunteer to dedicate their time to this session at Central Methodist Church. The sessions are 10-12 on the second and fourth Mondays. It is a rewarding role and it is a great opportunity to engage with people and help us provide a much needed service. If you would like to volunteer for the Lincoln Hygiene Bank please email subash@tcf-reconciliation.org