Help those who are unfairly affected by hygiene poverty

Help researchers understand why hygiene poverty happens more to those receiving social care.

 What experience do I need to help?

 We are looking for:

• people who are in touch with social service professionals through their local authority and who have had experiences of struggling to afford hygiene products such as shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste.
• friends and family of people who have had experiences of struggling to afford hygiene products such as such as shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste.
• people volunteering in food banks or church groups that dispense hygiene products such as shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste.
• people who are able to access email and/or telephone to give feedback and talk about the research

 More information

This research is about common hygiene products such as shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste. Not being able to buy these products is called ‘hygiene poverty’.

Hygiene poverty can impact people’s physical and mental health, as well as their ability to take part in social situations, like seeing friends and family. It is thought that hygiene poverty is much higher in adults with disabilities.  As a result, this research is particularly interested in looking at hygiene poverty in adults who receive care from social services because hygiene poverty seems to be unfairly affecting this group of people.

Although you may have seen hygiene poverty being reported by the media, there has been very little research on it, and no research specifically looking at adult social care users.

What will I be asked to do?

Read, comment and give feedback on the research plans and information.

How long will I be needed for?

Two meetings of one hour each to take place at a time to suit you.

What are some of the benefits for me?

 Our team will: 

• cover reasonable travel expenses and additional carer or childcare costs,
• offer payment for time of £25.00 per hour (people can request less if they are in receipt of state benefits). 
• learn more about research design.
• find out more about hygiene poverty and how it affects social care users.
• possibility of continuing to support the research project if they are successful in obtaining their grant to join the research involvement group.

Have a look at our guidelines for more information about this.

If you are receiving any benefits, you can access confidential advice from the Benefits Advice Service for Involvement.  

What support is offered?

Support will be given by the public involvement lead for the study. The sensitive nature of the topic means that you will be in full control of how you contribute and through what means (anonymously, online, telephone, 1:2:1, in a small group etc).

How do I apply?

Complete the online form and tell us how you meet the required experience. 

Not sure how to complete the online form or would you like to discuss an opportunity further?

Then the team can help you, contact us by email to set up a chat. 

 Access to any information you share with us is secure, restricted and dealt with confidentially. 

What happens next.

If your application fits the required experience, it will be sent to the project lead.

We will contact you with updates on the progress of your application.

If you have any questions, please contact us by email or call 02920 230 457.