Age UK Isle of Wight has taken a bold step and launched their £50,000 ‘Dignity in Every Pack’ initiative, which aims to support older residents with incontinence and reduce the stigma associated with the condition.
Generously funded by the Department of Work and Pensions through the Isle of Wight Council, there are 1,000 hygiene packs available, and Age UK IW hopes the initiative will create the basis for widespread free access to essential hygiene products and provide support to those who care for people living with this condition.
The delivery of the hygiene packs is already underway with the assistance of the dedicated workforce at Isle of Wight Distribution, who also stored and assembled the packs.
The hygiene packs have been carefully curated to cater to the specific needs of individuals facing incontinence. Recognising the impact that incontinence can have on an individual’s quality of life and well-being they provide essential items to help maintain personal hygiene and promote dignity.
A key objective of this initiative is to reduce the stigma associated with incontinence. Age UK IW believes that everyone deserves to live with dignity and respect, regardless of any health challenges they may face. By openly addressing incontinence and providing support through these hygiene packs, the independent Island-based charity hopes to break down barriers and encourage open conversations about this and other age-related challenges we might all face as we age.
The charity aims to collaborate with local care companies, charities, and organisations to ensure that these hygiene packs reach not only individuals but also the caregivers who play a vital role in supporting their clients and loved ones’ well-being.
Maria Bunce, Chief Operations Officer at Age UK IW, says:
“We want to reach as many older residents as possible with these hygiene packs and provide them with the support they need.
“Our goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding incontinence and create a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help. We also want to extend our support to the caregivers who play a crucial role in the lives of those facing incontinence challenges.”
Age UK IW invites all local care companies, charities, and organisations to join forces in distributing these hygiene packs and supporting older residents and their caregivers. For more information or to express interest in partnering with Age UK IW contact [email protected] or call 01983 525282.
Hygiene packs are also available to be collected from the Age UK IW offices by individuals. Age UK IW welcomes you to make an appointment to collect a pack.
‘Generously funded’!!!! It’s OUR money!!! We all paid in!!!
A better idea to help incontinence would be to ensure ALL public toilets are kept open and in reasonable condition