Young people from South Tyneside donate dozens of bottles of homemade hand sanitiser to South Shields food bank

The group which is based at the Customs Space, South Shields, has donated dozens of bottles of homemade hand sanitiser to a local food bank.

On Friday, April 17, students Lexie O’Connor, Adam Wilde and Dee Sisterson worked together to create their own hand sanitiser - the first batch of which was delivered to Chichester-based food bank Hospitality and Hope on Monday, April 27.

“The idea was born out of the shortage of hand sanitiser, after some of our students were upset that they couldn’t get any we researched how to make it online,” said education manager, Andrew Forster.

“After making a batch for the students they decided to offer it to others who need it and Lexie suggested donating it to Hospitality and Hope.”

Around 50 bottles of sanitiser have so far been given out with food parcels to families in South Shields.

They will be making a fresh batch of sanitiser this week and people are encouraged to return their empty bottles to the food bank to be refilled.

The students all attend an employability course led by Autism Able, for young people aged 16-25 with autism or additional needs.

The sessions have continued during the coronavirus lockdown to ensure access to education for children of key workers as well as vulnerable learners.

Lexie commented: “Being able to come to AutismAble is really important for my routine so it’s great to be able to contribute back to the community in a time like this. The hand sanitiser project was fun and educational and we will be creating more batches for the families who use Hospitality and Hope.”

Andrew added: “The students have been so positive during the past few weeks during such a difficult time and have really worked together to encourage each other and lift spirits.

“We are pleased to be able to put our educational projects to good use and can make hand sanitiser for any groups who need it.”

Get in touch via the AutismAble Facebook page

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