WHAT started as a small idea to help disadvantaged schoolgirls access hygiene products has now expanded to help young men and to buy school uniforms, as the project wins huge support from the community.

Community Solutions youth support co-ordinator Becky Spruce has been the driver behind the Tomorrow’s Women project, which helps disadvantaged teens – some who are sleeping rough – by providing them with hygiene products.

Ms Spruce said the program had gone above and beyond what she had ever expected.

“People are really interested in coming on board,” she said.

Ms Spruce said it was important the project continued to grow.

“Being a young woman and not being able keep themselves clean is devastating,” she said.

“To know someone cares about them is a big thing. It just makes their life so much easier.”

The project is looking to include young men who may also have problems gaining access to hygiene items.

“Schools have asked because boys are also in need of the products,” she said.

The group is also in talks to help provide school uniforms.

Ms Spruce said the project was a worthwhile program that was close to her heart.

“This whole project started with a girl whose circumstances were as dire as I’d ever come across,” Ms Spruce said.

“I wanted to do something to help.”

But she said if it was not for the community support, the program would not have been a success.

“The people in Bundaberg are really, really caring,” she said.

“I would never have thought this project would come to where it is now.”

Three more groups have expressed interest in helping in the past week, following a presentation.