Nearly a third of Londoners struggle to afford basic hygiene products

"According to data, around three out of ten women in the Greater London area have had to choose between buying enough food or hygiene products amid the cost-of-living crisis, while a third have had to choose between purchasing products for themselves or their children; 29 per cent also say they have either missed a job interview or had to take a day off work because they are not able to afford basic products."

"Hygiene poverty is the smoke before the fire. Before people go to a food bank, before they go hungry, they have often gone without many basics toothpaste, shampoo, washing powder. 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. This is a scandal that shouldn't exist, and together with The Hygiene Bank, we are launching a campaign to end hygiene poverty for good."

"The Mayor of London has fulfilled a 2024 manifesto promise by rolling out Baby Banks' across the city, which effectively double up as hygiene hubs for families."

Almost a third of London residents aged 16–55 struggle to live normally because they cannot afford basic hygiene products. Around three in ten women in Greater London have chosen between buying food or hygiene items, and a third have had to choose between products for themselves or their children. Twenty-nine per cent report missing job interviews or taking time off work due to lack of basic products. Nineteen per cent of children aged six to 15 are struggling with hygiene essentials. Baby Banks across the city provide shampoo, body wash, detergent and toothpaste. A coalition aims to end hygiene poverty by 2030.

Read at www.standard.co.uk