How You Can Help Tackle Hygiene Poverty in the UK With Beauty Banks

How often do you take time to appreciate the little luxuries in life? The smallest things like toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel are often overlooked as everyday essentials or, dare we say, even clutter! But to many men and women, they can make the world of difference.

This is exactly why beauty PR Jo Jones and writer Sali Hughes are making a stand with the launch of Beauty Banks. Find out all you need to know about this non-profit organisation and, more importantly, how you can help, below.

All you need to know about beauty banks

With many people (an estimated 13 million across the UK) living below the poverty line, many are having to go without basic hygiene and grooming essentials due to lack of funds. Coming from an industry where they are surrounded by an influx of beauty products, Jo and Sali decided it was time to do something to help. This is where Beauty Banks was born.

Supporting existing charities in providing hygiene and grooming products for those who need it most, Beauty Banks aims to help “hygiene poverty” which has been highlighted as “a hidden crisis” in Britain, as reported by In Kind Direct, a charity organisation which distributes consumer goods.

The report also states that 37 percent of the nation (including 56 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds) find it challenging, if not impossible, to buy toiletries. From British girls in low-income families missing days of school because they can’t afford basic sanitary protection to homeless men unable to shave before a job interview; having clean hair, teeth and skin is a right, not a privilege.

The charity’s wishlist comprises of all the basic hygiene products many of us take for granted on a daily basis. Think toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo (including baby shampoo), deodorant and shower gel. See the Beauty Banks Amazon wishlist here for further essentials.

Top tips from Jo Jones and Sali Hughes

Start collecting products – anything you can’t live without is a good place to start.

Be resourceful – think about miniatures from hotels or on flights, as they can actually be very practical for a homeless person who has very little space in which to carry their belongings.

Think health and safety – products need to be unopened and nail polish, nail polish remover and perfume are restricted.

Donate products not money – the Beauty Bank cannot accept money as it isn’t a registered charity.

Where to send your donations

Send all donations to:

Beauty Banks
c/o Jo Jones
The Communications Store
2 Kensington Square
London
W8 5EP