'There was virtually nothing left in the cupboard' - A project which fights global poverty has just paid us a timely visit

Avril, our crisis support worker, unpacking items donated by Your Smalls

A wonderful project which sends recycled and new bras, pants and sanitary products to women and girls around the globe visited the New Futures Project out of the blue recently with a stack of everyday essentials for our clients.

The 'Your Smalls Appeal' has supported women and girls around the world, particularly those in developing countries, since 2016.

However, when the coronavirus crisis hit, founder Diana Esho decided to turn her attention to impoverished women in the UK too.

Recently, Diana dropped into our base in London Road with the group's third donation this year. The bags were full of bras, pants, sanitary products, plus toiletries for the women and girls we see here.

Avril Lewis, crisis support worker at The New Futures Project, said: "This donation from Your Smalls Appeal was a godsend.

"We were running very low on bras, sanitary products and toiletries. There was virtually nothing left in the cupboard when Diana arrived here out of the blue.

"We're so grateful to them for their support, and we know the women will be too.

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"Underwear and sanitary products are too expensive for a lot of the women we see. Some will shoplift to get them, which is so sad.

"I know the girls will really enjoy going through these items to choose something for themselves."

According to the 'Your Smalls Appeal' website - which you will find here - it is helping women and girls in the UK and in developing countries beyond the provision of underwear donated by its corporate and private supporters.

The site says: “We financially support a growing number of girls’ access to education by paying tuition fees, school uniforms and school books.

“Over the years we have been supporting an ever-growing group of pregnant women in rural parts of Africa who don’t have easy access to sanitary pads following childbirth.

“These clean vital items help to prevent infection, offering a hygienic, clean solution.

“Bras, pants and sanitary pads are provided to the amazing group of professional women from nurses to teachers throughout Africa.

“Period poverty is a real issue for women and girls who don’t have the means or easy access to local supplies."

Elsewhere on its site, the group adds: “We are still shocked that there are still women in the world who do not have access to this basic item of clothing."

Diana is due to pop in again this year with a donation of brand new socks for our clients, following the donation of clothes she donated earlier in the year.

The New Futures Project offers a comprehensive welfare and counselling service for women and young people dealing with sexual abuse or exploitation, domestic violence, trafficking, poverty and debt, substance use or mental ill-health.

Call us on 0116 251 0803 or send us a message at: info@new-futures.org.uk

You can find us at 71 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0PE.