Boxes provide essentials to those in need and have proved a resounding success

An Edinburgh Napier lecturer whose charity provides free toiletries to those who need them most is preparing to take it to the next level as her own life enters a new chapter.

Isabel Dosser, a lecturer in palliative care within the University’s School of Health and Social Care, launched Dignity Boxes last year with the aim of making boxes of toiletries available across the Lothian region.

She now plans to work full-time for the charity she founded.

The first box was presented at Social Bite’s Shandwick Place shop in September 2018 and in the last 10 months it has been joined by 22 other boxes across Edinburgh and West Lothian.

These boxes supply products such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, shower gel, toothpaste and toothbrushes to those who need them free of charge.

There are now also 45 donation boxes across the region, with businesses, organisations, communities and companies coming together to support the initiative.

After 15 years of service at Edinburgh Napier and 30 years in nursing practice prior to joining the University, she is getting set to go full-time with Dignity Boxes as she looks ahead to helping even more people in need to live their life with dignity.

Isabel said: “I’ve had 15 wonderful years at Edinburgh Napier and nearly 30 years within health care practice prior to that. I’ll miss doing what I do, but I’ll be heading into retirement excited to be embracing the challenge that will be running the Dignity Boxes charity on a full-time basis.

“My aim was to get 20 Dignity Boxes out within Lothian in our first year. We are currently at 23 and we have a waiting list for more. The response really has been incredible.”

Dignity Boxes can be found on Facebook.