Why we’ve launched our Hygiene 4 All campaign

This can impact their daily lives in a multitude of ways, not least leaving them unable to access many of the basic necessities that others may take for granted.

Hygiene poverty is one of the impacts of living in a household where there isn’t enough money coming in to cover the basics – meaning there are children living in Shropshire right now whose access to toiletries is restricted or even in the worst cases entirely non-existent.

The Hygiene Bank reports that in 2024, 8% of the total population experienced hygiene poverty – that would equate to almost 26,000 people in Shropshire.

Further to this, they found almost 70% of these individuals had to decide between paying their bills, buying food or purchasing toiletries. And 65% of parents affected had to choose between buying hygiene products for themselves or their children.

What’s the impact of hygiene poverty?

There are many effects of living in a home where there’s not enough toothpaste, deodorant or shampoo to go round. Some children are sharing toothbrushes with their siblings, others aren’t able to have their uniforms or PE kits washed, and others may have no access to toiletries because their parents or carers have had to prioritise buying food instead.

An In Kind Direct report published earlier this year highlighted:

• 10% of children had missed school due to an issue such as not having clean uniform, not having period products, or being unable to brush their teeth.
• Almost one in ten of those in hygiene poverty had to miss out on PE or playing outside because they had no way of washing their clothes if they got dirty.
• One in six said they felt embarrassed or ashamed.
• One in nine had been bullied due to their personal hygiene.

We also know that hygiene poverty can increase the rate of problems like skin infections, worsen pre-existing conditions like diabetes, and raise the likelihood of needing dental treatment.

It’s clear hygiene poverty has a wide-ranging impact on all aspects of life: from education and socialising to physical and mental health.

How is 4 All Foundation overcoming hygiene poverty?

The first stage of our Hygiene 4 All campaign will see us offering much-needed toiletry items to students within Marches Academy Trust schools in Shropshire.

Parents and carers will be able to email an allocated member of staff and request items, which will then be discretely handed out to them to support their family.

In order to maximise the impact of the campaign, we need as many individuals and businesses across Shropshire to support us. Any donation, no matter the size, is gratefully received and will be put to good use helping those most in need.

Examples of how your donations can make a real difference:

• £30 = 48 bottles of hand gel
• £32 = 24 lip balms
• £40 = 48 face masks, 24 bottles of dry shampoo, or 44 bottles of shampoo
• £60 = 50 cans of deodorant or 50 bottles of mouthwash
• £70 = 24 bottles of fabric conditioner
• £100 = 210 packs of sanitary pads

Please do donate if you’re able to, and thank you to those who’ve pledged their support already, it means so much to us, and even more to the children who will receive these items.

Email George.Hounsell@4all.foundation for more information or to enquire about donating.