Hygiene poverty now at ‘tipping point’, says charity

Almost one in five people have experienced hygiene poverty

Research by The Hygiene Bank and In Kind Direct found that almost one in five people surveyed had experienced hygiene poverty recently, either themselves or through someone else in their household.

The survey of 3,042 UK adults found that 18% had experienced the problem within the previous six months.

Of those affected, 41% said they had encountered hygiene poverty for the first time this year.

The Hygiene Bank said the changing circumstances of those affected showed that the “face” of hygiene poverty was shifting.

Rosemary Ashworth, the charity's deputy chief, told BBC Radio Surrey that working families and people who had previously considered themselves financially secure were now being affected.

“It's not people who [you] might necessarily expect experiencing it,” she said. “It's working families. People who previously felt financially secure... It feels like a problem that is worsening.”

The products involved are often basic household essentials, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, sanitary pads and laundry detergent.

Now it's time to act

Janice Sedgwick, a volunteer with the charity's Guildford branch, said people were also struggling to afford cleaning products for their homes.

The Hygiene Bank warns that the consequences can extend well beyond being unable to buy toiletries, saying hygiene poverty can affect people's health, confidence, education, work and ability to take part in social life.

Ashworth said the country was now “at a bit of a tipping point”, adding: “So now feels like the time to do something about it.”

The charity is asking people to donate essential hygiene products or money during National Hygiene Week, which ends on 11 October.