Hygiene Poverty in the UK
Our Partnership with Beauty Banks
By Alyssa Reene
Every day at Pecan’s Women’s Service, we meet women who are navigating challenges that many of us might take for granted, such as being able to buy deodorant, shampoo, or period products. Hygiene poverty is a hidden crisis in the UK, affecting millions of people, yet it often goes unspoken. That’s why partnerships with organisations like Beauty Banks are so vital. Together, we’re not only able to meet urgent needs but also bring a little extra joy and dignity to the women who come through our doors.
‘Did you know that around 4.2 million adults in the UK live in hygiene poverty (The Hygiene Bank, 2024)? This means being unable to afford basics like soap, deodorant, or laundry detergent. Period poverty is also widespread, with 1 in 5 women struggling to afford period products’ (Bloody Good Period, 2023)
Partnering with Beauty Banks to Tackle Hygiene Poverty
At our Women’s Service, we see this first-hand how many of our clients face the impossible choice between hygiene products and other essentials like food or bills. That’s why we are so grateful for our partnership with Beauty Banks, a social movement founded in 2018 to combat hygiene poverty by friends Sali and Jo. They have built a network within the beauty industry to take donated stock and distribute to other charities who then in turn distribute it to service users. Through donations from the beauty industry, Beauty Banks supply us with much-needed essentials and importantly, products that spark joy such as perfumes, bubble baths and makeup. These small luxuries remind our clients that they are more than their circumstances; they deserve dignity and delight too
‘These small luxuries remind our clients that they are more than their circumstances; they deserve dignity and delight too.’
Summer 2025
At our Summer Event in July this year, clients chose from Estee Lauder perfume, Cowshed soaps, Rimmel and Lisa Eldridge makeup, as well as essentials like toothpaste and period products. Donations also help us keep our “menstruation station” stocked with pads, tampons, condoms, and health information at our Southwark Hub.
Christmas Celebrations
We’re looking forward to sharing more Beauty Banks donations at our Festive Event on 16 December, where we will be ensuring women in our community not only have the essentials, but also the chance to enjoy something special.
Alyssa is part of the Women’s Service Team, that offer a safe, welcoming, one-stop-shop support for those affected by the criminal justice system, and for women seeking support, information, and community.
To find our more about the Women’s Service visit: pecan.org,uk/womens-service
Pecan has been selected to take part in this year’s Big Give Women and Girls Match Fund! From 8-15 October 2025, every online donation you make to our Women’s Services will be matched £1 for £1, doubling your impact at no extra cost to you. Please put the date in your diary, to help us Double the Donations, Double the Impact. LINK
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