Launching our Back to Basics campaign

This September is not just the start of a new school year. For many children it will be their first time back in the classroom since March. Many families and households have been managing tighter budgets or accessing government support for the first time. With last week’s announcement of recession, and growing unemployment figures, financial uncertainty is affecting people and organisations across the UK. The need has never been greater to embed social impact in corporate recovery plans, to help people to live, learn and work safely. 

As we speak to our network of thousands of charities, community groups and schools, we hear plans to reopen and to start delivering more face-to-face services. Our latest survey in July gave us a clear steer on the products that can make the biggest difference to getting organisations open and welcoming people safely. Our Back to Basics campaign, launching today focuses on three core product areas – School & Office, Household and Health & Beauty.  

In Kind Direct provides life’s essentials. But as the lockdown continues in various guises across the UK, the definition of “essential” is broadening. For many living in a state of survival, they are exhausted. Going hungry, or with unwashed clothes is a reality for too many. External factors such as the pandemic, regional differences in funding and services, and the loss of support networks through social distancing have driven many to the financial brink. Together, we can help reduce that pressure. We recognise that when someone is at their lowest; having something new, something just for them, and building self-esteem are all essential. 

During the first 19 weeks of UK lockdown (to the end of July) In Kind Direct worked with 2,440 charity partners. Thanks to almost 70 manufacturers and retailers, we’ve distributed over £10.4m worth of products across the UK, including 160,000 bottles of handwash, 223,000 nappies and 832,000 toilet rolls! We’ve also been working with others including forming the Product Giving Alliance and joining the National Business Response Network to make donating goods and services easy. We encourage more businesses to see what is possible and step up however they can.   

A huge thank you to all of our corporate partners for their ongoing support, and to our network of charity partners for their tireless support for communities everywhere. To find out more, why not join our free online event From lolly moulds to toilet roll – how product giving can positively impact your organisation on 27th August.