SINN Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy who has works for the homeless charity First Housing, has expressed shock at the online abuse directed at her for supporting the work of charities who operate ‘beauty banks’.
Beauty banks take donations of period products, personal hygiene products as well as cosmetics helping the homeless and victims of domestic violence.
Councillor Sandra Duffy said: “I was quite shocked at some of the hurtful, misogynistic online comments made about an interview I gave to the Journal about the concept of so-called ‘beauty banks’.
“It’s very clear that many of those commenting hadn’t even read the article in full.
“To make matters worse, I was contacted by a number people who simply couldn’t believe that several elected representatives became part of this commentary in their haste to attack me.
“As part of a lengthy interview around the whole issue of period poverty I spoke about also helping beauty banks and the positive impact that can have in communities.
“Beauty banks are not my proposal.
“They are already being run by recognised charities who are doing sterling work helping thousands of homeless people and victims of domestic violence. A simple online search would have established that.
“They are helping people who struggle to maintain personal hygiene because of their circumstances and who often find their confidence, self-esteem, and wellbeing suffer as a result.
“I would like to thank all those people who have come forward offering help.
“It’s very much appreciated and shows the true compassionate and charitable nature of our city.
“If people want to launch political attacks, they should direct it at the Tories whose policies are driving people into homelessness and poverty, not charities and those trying to help support them,” added Cllr Duffy.
