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A recent report indicates that nearly one-third of London residents between the ages of 16 and 55 are struggling to afford essential hygiene products, impacting their ability to maintain a normal standard of living, a charity has warned.
Research conducted by the Hygiene Bank reveals that approximately 30% of women in London have faced the difficult choice between purchasing sufficient food or hygiene products. Some individuals have reportedly missed job interviews or workdays due to this financial constraint.
In Kind Direct, a charity partnering with the Hygiene Bank to address this issue, has described the situation as a “scandal that shouldn’t exist.”
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, stated that he is “determined to do all he can to support Londoners in the cost of living crisis.”
Michael Gidney, Chief Executive of In Kind Direct, emphasized that hygiene poverty often precedes food bank usage, with individuals foregoing basic necessities like toothpaste, shampoo, and laundry detergent before seeking food assistance.
“No parent should have to send their child to school without brushing their teeth, and no-one should miss out on opportunities because they can’t afford soap or period products,” he added.
The Hygiene Bank’s data indicates that one-third of Londoners have had to choose between buying hygiene products for themselves or their children, while 29% reported missing job interviews or taking time off work due to a lack of affordability.
The data, exclusively shared with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, also highlights that 19% of children aged six to 15 are struggling to access basic hygiene essentials.
Ruth Brock, Chief Executive of the Hygiene Bank, asserted: “This is not an inevitable part of life in Britain – together, with government, businesses and communities, we can and must end it.”
Caroline Gandy-Brown, Service and Volunteer Manager at the Abbey Centre in Westminster, recounted the story of a mother of four who was unable to afford soap for herself, instead using the last bar on her children and to clean the house.
“I know what it’s like to suffer this – there’s such a stigma around this,” she said.
“People try to mask their issues. Men are also struggling more and more with this – they’re impossible to talk to about it, however.”
She emphasized that funding is crucial to addressing the problem.
City Hall stated that the Mayor’s initiatives include freezing bus and tram fares, providing free school meals for primary school children, and offering guidance through a Cost of Living Hub.
‘Baby Banks’ have also been established throughout the city, stocked with items such as shampoo, body wash, detergent, and toothpaste.
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