Donations flood into hospital for Essentials by Sue hygiene project in Wisbech

Donations of toiletries and everyday essentials are flooding into the North Cambs Hospital in Wisbech in aid of Fenland’s Essentials by Sue project.

Launched by the Fenland Community Safety Partnership last year, Essentials by Sue provides toiletries, sanitary items and other essentials to young people from lower income families who may struggle to afford them.

The hospital’s radiology department is the latest organisation to join the project, which sees donated products distributed to schools, colleges and foodbanks across the district.

Rosie Cooke, Fenland District Council’s community safety projects officer, who coordinates the project, said: “Since the radiology department adopted the scheme donations have flooded in from both staff and patients who are proud to be involved in this community project and support our local young people.”

Cllr Susan Wallwork, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the Essentials by Sue project since it launched last summer.

"It helps provide personal hygiene products like shampoo and shower gel to young people who need them but are unable to access them for a number of reasons. It’s discreet too, so young people can access the products without feeling like they by are being judged.”

Members of the public can now donate sealed, unused products, for both males and females, at nine donation points across the district: Fenland Hall, County Road, March, and The Boathouse Business Centre, Wisbech; North Cambs Hospital, Radiology Department, Wisbech; March Police Station; Wisbech Police Station; Chatteris Community Hub, Furrowfields; March Library; Thomas Clarkson Academy,Wisbech.

Any businesses or organisations wanting to get involved in Essentials by Sue, either by donating products or setting up a donation point, can contact Rosie Cooke via email at: rcooke@fenland.gov.uk or phone 07770 643378.