Human Right to Hygiene

We believe everyone deserves the Human Right to Hygiene. Right now, 78% of our charitable network who support young people (18-24s) say that more people than ever are facing the decision to eat, heat or keep clean*.

With energy bills on the rise and set to soar in April and the increase in cost of living, it’s estimated that 2.5m households** are already struggling to pay bills and afford essential hygiene products.

Insights from 320 charitable organisations in our network who support 18-24 years olds across the UK, show the implications of the pandemic and rising costs of living are reaching young people far and wide.

Our survey also reveals:

• 75% of organisations supporting 18-24 years olds said products help improve mental health and wellbeing*
• While 77% reported that they most need personal hygiene products such as toilet roll, dental care, shower gel and period products were the most needed

We are appealing for essential hygiene products to be donated to support the increasing number of people having to choose between eating, heating and keeping clean.

*In Kind Direct network survey Jan 2022 results, organisations supporting young people 18-24 years: 320 organisation responses

**Which? Consumer research - https://www.which.co.uk/news/2022/01/what-the-cost-of-living-crisis-means-for-you/