Words by Smiley Team
Young people today face more challenges establishing independent lives for themselves than previous generations – but there are always people willing to help.
The Bank of Things is a new project, working in partnership with the charity Lewisham Local, which aims to support young people aged 11 to 25 in the area.
It was created by former young mayors, who used their budget to address the issue of poverty and lack of resources in the borough. They now supply everyday necessities to any young person facing hardship living in Lewisham.
With one in five people in the UK living below the poverty line, a rising cost of living crisis, and poor stats that reveal London has the highest rate of child poverty of any English region, The Bank of Things has come at a truly crucial time.
(Read more about this 62-year-old’s community food shop which is in high demand)
Launching on Monday 21st February from Unit 19 in Lewisham shopping centre, young people will be able to drop in and pick up some of the everyday items they need to participate fully in their lives. Such items may include toiletries, sanitary products and some school equipment.
If they're struggling to afford everyday essentials – such as personal care products – they can come and collect a pack from The Bank of Things. These packs include deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, toothpaste, toothbrush and sanitary products.
The local community has been lending a helping hand to help get this project of the ground. Last year, Lewisham Foodbank contributed some items to help The Bank of Things get started.
“Through the generosity from the students and donations from Lewisham Foodbank we have been able to double our output and 60 Bank of Things personal care packs are now on their way to our most vulnerable young people," the charity wrote at the time.
To keep The Bank of Things going and supporting young people in the area, they need support.
DONATE 'THINGS': You can make a donation yourself to The Bank of Things, which can be dropped off at any time using their donation bins in Unit 19 at Lewisham Shopping Centre. They’re looking for new and unopened products including deodorant, facewash, shampoo, conditioner, pads and tampons, toothpaste and moisturiser.
DONATE MONEY: The Bank of Things is also looking for financial support, and you can make a donation by following this link.
VOLUNTEER: The charity is looking for volunteers from a range of ages and backgrounds from 13 years plus to help them run the service. Email [email protected] for more information.
