JEN Armstrong can vouch for the difference a small gift can make to someone experiencing hard times.
The Sutherland Shire resident had just left a difficult relationship, was pregnant and had a toddler, and didn't know where she was going to live.
Then she was given a gift of Nutrimetics body wash, a small thing that had a big impact.
"It was a nod to mums, like — you deserve this," she said.
Ms Armstrong was so inspired that she started the Beauty Bank, a not-for-profit organisation that distributes skincare, shampoo and other beauty products to women who have recently left a violent home.
Now studying at university and raising two children Ms Armstrong said she wasn't expecting to be a single mum with no support..
"I don't have any problems talking about it — it doesn't matter how smart and independent you are, you can be a victim or survivor of domestic
violence," she said. "I didn't want to tell my family the full extent as I felt like a failure, didn't want to burden them, and I was embarrassed."
Ms Armstrong distributes the beauty gift bags through Dandelion Support Network and is looking for donations and volunteers.
Details: Facebook, thebeautybankau