Testimonials
High Sheriff of Cheshire
– Jeannie France-Hayhurst
It was a delight to meet the team and to see how much you achieve in a small place and in a short time with such astonishing efficiency.
The entire vision is one which builds self-respect and makes a huge difference to those women who often have no one else thinking of them. You all deserve huge credit for what you do and I’m very proud that your kindness is making such a difference in Cheshire.
Smart Works
– Client Feedback
“I didn’t expect to receive extra goodies on top of my whole interview outfit! Such a lovely treat to have, I can’t wait to go and pamper myself before my interview now!” Cara* Smart Works client
“The extras inside the bag were just the finishing touch, thank you so much” Emily* Smart Works client
“I don’t usually treat myself to little things like this, so to receive some (ahead of my interview as well!) is just amazing. Thank you!” Seema* Smart Works client
Stockport Women's Centre
– Debbie Malone
– Volunteer Co-Ordinator
Big thanks for the toothpaste and brush packs, they have been a big help to our women and also thanks for the welcome packs which continue to help brighten the lives of women who come to us seeking support. We are finding the need for food and toiletries is in increasing demand, we had 600 visitors in March alone!!
By being able to offer these donations it has enabled some of our SU's to heat some food up and/or put the heating on, so we want to thank you so much for your contributions.
The cost of living crisis has pushed many towards food insecurity and into food poverty. This has led to families making difficult decisions about spending on food. It's also affecting their ability to afford other household essentials like toiletries and toothpaste. So, being able to add both toiletries and toothpaste supplied by Bare Necessities to our food bags is always a welcome bonus, and a nice surprise, to the families using our surplus food grocery. Additionally the packs provided around Christmas time allow us to supplement our Christmas Hampers which we provide to families locally. Thank you to Wendy and her team of volunteers, along with her very generous supply partners.
Silklife Foodbank
– Dan Blackman
– Manager
Our collector David always looks forward to the drive over and is always amazed at the level of generosity from your group.
Thanks for the kindness you show us
CRE8 Macclesfield
– Graham Brown
– Project GROW Co-Ordinator
Edge 360 Women’s Refuge Macclesfield
“I came here with nothing only the cloths I stood up in I was so greatfull for the starter pack with toilerys I had no money so this was good I think every girl that comes thew this project should have this.” - Amanda
“Thank you to the ladies from barenesseries I cant thank you enough, very kind”. -Jessy
I came to Edge 360 with nothing and my starter pack really helped me so thank you so much bare necessities. - Laren
“I would just like to thank the ladies who donated the pink starter pack it helped me get through a very bad time in my life while being looked after at Edge 360.” -Cheryl
Emerging Futures Macclesfield Street Homeless shelter
‘To come in off the street to a warm bed and everything I need to clean myself makes a massive difference to my self-esteem – I feel more confident going to meetings with Job Centre and probation feeling more presentable.’
‘It can be difficult to prioritize the limited money I get monthly so to know that basic hygiene items are there for me to access makes things a lot easier.’
‘It is lovely to know that there are people out there putting together packs like this to send to us, it makes a very big difference for our day to day lives after coming off the streets.’
Cheshire Without Abuse
"Just would like to say a huge thank-you for the toiletry bags that i collect when i came to my probation/rehabilitation sessions. It really touches me how grateful i am!
Both myself and my 12 year old really appreciate how kind an generous you are for spending the time doing these.
You are very special”
All Hallows School
– Mrs M Garvey
– Deputy Principal
Thank you to Bare Necessities for the Toiletry and Dental Hygiene Packs you have provided. These have been distributed through our Family Welfare Officer to families we know are regularly accessing Food Banks. Young people are very conscious of their appearance and personal hygiene is important to them yet it is this area of home care that families often must cut back on when there is limited income. Your generous donations enables all young people maintain a sense of dignity and personal care.
Wilmslow Youth
– Matt
"The gift bag was absolutely beautiful, it was so nice to feel treated - thank you so much” - Mum
“What a wonderful idea - it was such a nice surprise, thank you!” - Mum
“It was really nice to get something for my mum, I couldn’t get anything by myself and she really liked it” - 14 year old
“My mum really loved it, the bag it all came in was her favourite bit!” - 13 year old
We gave all the gift bags out to young people who would otherwise be unable to get something for their mums for mothers day, they were really excited taking them home and it was so valuable to give them that sense of excitement and independence to allow them to treat their mums. Thank you so much!
Pure Insight
"I was so pleased to receive my bag; it looked like they had thought of everything! There were lots of essential items but also some things that I could never afford to buy for myself as a treat. I'm so grateful for the thought that went into this idea and it really lifted my mood".
“I loved my bag, its really helpful to have all those bits in that would normally cost me so much to get for myself”
“stocked up now, thanks!”
“Its stuff that costs so much and when you’re trying to budget for food and heating it helps massively to have this”
Pure Insights
– Barbara Harris
– Admin Manager
My face lit up when I came in this morning and saw the lovely pink and purple bags. I wanted you to know that I have already allocated 8 of these (which have now been taken) by the PEP team (Personal Education Programme – an educational care plan for young people under the age of 25 with learning disabilities) They will be very much appreciated. I will notify our team we have more bags this morning and they will begin to go out to our young people. They are so well received by people – and again I know I go on about the quality – but the quality of the items are so good.
Once again, big thanks to you and the team from the team at Insight.
Women MATTA
– Trish James
– Project Coordinator
Just sending feedback from service users re Christmas packs.
We have put the toiletries in with a diary ( from Soroptimists) and a selection box - all wrapped up.
“It is the only present I expect to get this Christmas” She cried when she said this.
“I am so excited to get a gift – surprised and touched”
Thanks again.
Stockport Womens Centre
- Debbie Malone
- Volunteer Coordinator
A woman left a voicemail after receiving a delivered Welcome Pack saying she was blown away by the contents and the acts of kindness of others. She wanted to thank everyone involved and said it had made her day!
Alderley Edge St Philips and St James Foodbank
– The Rev Robin Pye
‘We receive far fewer donations of toiletries and sanitary products ….it has also been a pleasant change to offer people a choice of products rather than having to adopt a ‘you get what you’re given approach’.
From a Foodfriend client;
‘I am so grateful for the tampax – I have been getting by without which is not pleasant.’ ‘…now they (Foodfriend) supply more toiletries which is amazing because they are so expensive. And it is nice to actually feel good about myself.’
Smartworks
– Corina Herhenteris
– Project Manager
‘The work you are doing is so impressive and we have the privilege of seeing what a difference the bags make at first hand.’ ‘We know the women we see absolutely LOVE receiving these… and they are such an asset to the service we provide.’
From A Smartworks client;
‘The lovely toiletries at the bottom of the bag were an exceptional touch, it has been a long time since I treated myself so was overwhelmed with the attention to detail.’
Bideford Community Centre
‘I recieved this message and photo today from a very grateful mum and what sounds like a very happy young lady, however this wouldn’t have been possible without the donations from @BNToiletryBank THANK YOU’
Manchester Women’s Aid
‘When I fled my abusive partner last month, I left with nothing… For years I have not felt fresh or wanted to look at myself in the mirror…..the Police took me to a Manchester Women’s Aid refuge who gave me a self-contained flat…in there was a gorgeous toiletry bag. That afternoon I spent 2 hours showering, moisturising and pampering myself with all the luxury products that were in the bag. From that afternoon I grew in confidence and am now able to see a future, you have no idea how that bag changed my life.’
Foodfriend Foodbank Wilmslow
– Flo Knowles Foodfriend Project Manager
‘I met Wendy and Lisa in 2018 when they set up Bare Necessities toiletry bank and offered to support and supplement our project. I have seen them work tirelessly once under way to promote their cause and collect and distribute donations to schemes like ours. Our clients have greatly appreciated the essentials like feminine hygiene products, tooth paste, soap and deodorant...some having put up without sanitary wear because they could not afford it, for example.’
Dan Blackman
– Manager Silklife Foodbank
‘Thank you for your very generous donation of collected toiletries to the Silklife Foodbank in Macclesfield. Your kindness allows our team to ensure that every food parcel dispatched is complete and of an excellent quality. Donations such as the one you have made will enable this vital service to grow and continue to help those facing an emergency hunger crisis to be supported meaningfully. Being able to include toiletries supports people in their mental health and wellbeing. We realise the importance at Silklife of including toiletries in our food parcels.’
Wilmslow High School
– Evie Mackay – Student Manager
‘I just wanted to say a huge thank you……all these products will help support a large number of our students whose families struggle to provide these essentials.’
From Staff at Centrepoint Manchester
“Many of the young people who access our services regularly state how just because they are sleeping rough, it doesn’t mean they don’t take pride in their appearance and hygiene. A simple hairbrush does wonders for a person’s pride and confidence in the most difficult times in their lives.”
Clare Holmes
– Emerge Manager Manchester Women’s Aid
‘Last week I finally met Lisa at the Pankhurst delivering the toiletry bags, I actually felt quite overwhelmed when I saw them, they were so big, pretty with everything that a family needs when arriving at refuge.’
Debbie Malone
- Volunteer Coordinator Stockport Women’s Centre
‘Thank you for the amazing Welcome bags….they are so lovely and have been greatly received by our clients. Thank you for your continued support, it’s been a very difficult year but you have managed to help us, help and support the women of Stockport.’