South Hampshire College Group has teamed up with the Hampshire Federation of Women’s Institutes (WI) to distribute dental hygiene kits to students across its college communities, raising awareness of the importance of good oral health and wellbeing.
The kits, which contain a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss, have been presented in specially decorated pouches, each hand-sewn by members of Women’s Institutes groups across Hampshire.
The initiative began as part of a National WI dental health campaign led by WI’s taking part in Romsey Show which has a longstanding tradition of partnering with charitable organisations around a particular theme.
Diana Calcraft, Campaign Lead and Trustee at Hampshire Federation of WI, said the idea grew from the WI’s investigative work into barriers to accessing dental care: “We know that people are better able to learn and thrive when they feel comfortable, supported and confident in their health and wellbeing.
“This year we’ve led a dedicated campaign on dental health and improving access to dentists. Through that came the idea of creating dental hygiene bags and our members from across Hampshire really embraced the craft side of the project. The results were amazing with 250 dental hygiene kits produced overall.
“We were delighted to partner with South Hampshire College Group, helping us share these kits with young people across the region and encourage greater awareness of the importance of dental health.”
Naomi Smith, Director of Innovation, Skills & Externally Funded Projects at South Hampshire College Group, said: “Supporting our students goes beyond simply providing a curriculum. Health and wellbeing are an important part of the wider college experience, helping students feel confident, supported and ready to make the most of their opportunities. Being able to offer something practical like these dental hygiene kits can make a real difference, and we’re incredibly grateful to the Hampshire Federation of Women’s Institutes for the time, care and generosity that has gone into creating them.
“Women’s Institutes carry out truly inspiring work, and this partnership fits really well with South Hampshire College Group’s vision, mission and core values.”
South Hampshire College Group offers professional Dental Nursing qualifications including a Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (Practitioner) and a Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship. In 2025, a new purpose-built state-of-the-art Dental training suite was unveiled at Eastleigh College, gives students unprecedented opportunities to apply practical skills in their learning.
