Southampton Football Club and Saints Foundation have joined the Multibank UK 2024 Christmas Campaign in a bid to combat hygiene poverty.

The campaign ensures children are equipped for 2025 with the hygiene essentials necessary for confidence and potential in the classroom.

The campaign highlights the stark reality that for 46 per cent of households, washing detergent is now a luxury.

Over the past three years, its cost has surged by 41.6 per cent.

Sam Fulling, chief operations officer for Saints Foundation said: "We’re proud to be teaming up with the Multibank and our local partners at The Big Difference to tackle hygiene poverty, rallying Saints fans to lend a hand by gifting essential products to those most in need.

"We work in across the most deprived area of the cities and with the people who face inequality the most; Christmas is a time for giving, and we hope that our fans will get behind this important initiative to ensure that everyone in our local community goes without the necessities - because every small act of support makes a big difference."

The situation is equally dire for other hygiene products, with 42 per cent of households lacking deodorant and 400,000 households without soap or toothpaste.

Recognising the detrimental effects of this situation, such as social isolation and bullying, school staff have reportedly spent around £40 million of their own money on these essentials.

Southampton FC is facilitating a matchday fan donation drive on December 26 at St Mary's Stadium, where fans are encouraged to donate essential hygiene products.

These donated items will be transformed into hygiene packs and distributed via The Big Difference, a local food bank distribution centre.

This centre supports over 100 communities and schools in Southampton.

Three donation points will be set up around the stadium for matchday fans to give hygiene products.

The specific locations will be announced nearer the date.

People who cannot attend the match but wish to contribute can do so by visiting The Big Difference's website.

More information about the Multibank and how to donate can be found at themultibank.co.uk