Some working families in Oxfordshire are unable to afford basic toiletries despite holding full-time jobs, a local charity has revealed.
The community organisation “Jungle”, based in Oxford’s Templars Square shopping centre, provides monthly hygiene essentials — including toilet paper and sanitary towels — to individuals and families struggling with the rising cost of living.
Among those receiving help are three families who are full-time employees at a local school.
“This all started when one of our volunteers, who also works part-time at the school, realised how many families there needed support,” said Jungle supervisor Beverly Visser. “It’s heartbreaking that even those with full-time jobs are finding it impossible to cover basic needs.”
Currently, Jungle supplies hygiene packs — known as “jungle boxes” — to around 25 households. These include school staff, victims of modern slavery, and patients from a local health centre. Each box, costing approximately £25, contains essential items such as nappies, sanitary products, deodorant, washing up liquid, and toilet paper.
The project recently secured funding through the end of 2025, thanks to a £1,000 donation from Templars Square.
“I can see how much it means to the people who come in,” Beverly said. “They’re regulars, and it’s clear they rely on this support just to get by.” Photo by Brandon Blinkenberg, Wikimedia commons.