"It's such a lift for people to receive smellies"

Available for over a year

Thousands of people across the South are feeling the impact of the rising cost of living. For many, everyday essentials like soap, toothpaste, and personal care products are now unaffordable. Throughout January, BBC Radio Solent is helping collect donated toiletries and cleaning products so local community schemes can share them with anyone who needs a little extra support. BBC Radio Solent's Katie Martin has been speaking to Karen Allen from the Portsmouth Hygiene Bank, one of the schemes that will be receiving your donated items.