A volunteer-run clothing bank that provides vital support to vulnerable people across the north east, has picked up funding from one of the region’s leading landlords to help provide toiletries to those in need.
More than 1,000 tubes of toothpaste, hundreds of bottles of shampoo, dozens of bars of soap, and other essential toiletries will be provided to vulnerable and unemployed people across County Durham.
County Durham Socialist Clothing Bank has been awarded £500 by County Durham Housing Group to buy and distribute the toiletries. The funding will also allow the group to purchase everyday items such as nappies and sanitary products, which will help families to function normally during times of hardship.
The clothing bank was set up in 2014 to support north east people who were out of work, facing problems with welfare benefits changes, or in low paid jobs. County Durham Housing Group provided the funding for the toiletries as part of its new ‘group grant’ programme, which is distributing £20,000 to good causes in the county.
Dawn Wilson from County Durham Socialist Clothing Bank, said: “If it wasn’t for the donations of money and clothing, and the great work from our regular volunteers, we couldn’t do what we do, and have been doing, since October 2014. I’m just pleased we can help as many people as we do.”
The clothing bank is based in Brandon, just outside of Durham, and operates a fortnightly drop in service on Tuesdays staffed by the 18 volunteers involved in the project.
Angela Stobbart, Community Investment Team Leader at County Durham Housing Group, said: “The volunteers at the clothing bank do an amazing job, helping some of the most vulnerable people in the county.
“We’re really pleased to be able to support their work, and of course ensure that this lifeline for many families can continue to operate so successfully.”