What is Hygiene Poverty?

Hygiene poverty is the struggle of not being able to afford the simple products that many people take for granted. Like having to share a toothbrush with members of their household because they can’t afford one of their own, or having to wear dirty clothes because they can’t afford the products to clean them.

Unfortunately, there are over 14 million people in the UK living in poverty; 4.6 million of whom are children. Long before people go to food banks, they stop buying basic toiletries; over one third of 18 to 24 year old’s go without essential hygiene products due to lack of funds. Even before the pandemic, families faced the decision of whether to pay for food, rent, bills or buy essential hygiene products.  

What is National Hygiene Week?

National Hygiene Week was launched in conjunction with national charity; The Hygiene Bank, who raise awareness of the hygiene poverty crisis in the community. The Hygiene Bank’s vision is that one day, everyone in the UK will have access to the essential hygiene products. They believe that basic hygiene should be a necessity and not a luxury or a privilege.

The Hygiene Bank are encouraging everyone to ‘Look Up’ and help to tackle the hygiene poverty in the community. In the past, National Hygiene Week included events delivered by a range of organisations, from leadership discussions, educational resources, social media campaigns, media coverage and MP engagement. 

The second annual National Hygiene Week is running from 5th – 11th July 2021. There are online and in-person activities including panels and auctions to bring communities and businesses together to tackle hygiene poverty.

“Hygiene poverty can be shaming, humiliating, excluding and can result in social isolation. That is why our network of projects exist to give people access to basics needs.”

The Hygiene Bank, 2021

Their volunteers “go around their local communities collecting and distributing products to those in need via our community partners – a mix of charities, schools, and local authorities.” – The Hygiene Bank, 2021.

You can donate, volunteer and drop off products at local drop off points to show your support for the cause.  

Direct365

At Direct365, we supply a comprehensive range of top-quality washroom and hygiene products including:

  • Automatic Soap Dispensers
  • Paper Towels and Dispensers
  • Toilet Tissue and Dispensers
  • Hand Dryers
  • Water Saving Technology
  • Vending Machines and Supplies
  • Air Care
  • Hand Sanitisers and Dispensers. 

We have everything you need to keep your washroom clean, hygienic and well equipped for the modern demands of customers, all at highly affordable prices. 


Did you know that we also provide a full range of washroom and hygiene services? Click here or call today to find out how we can help with all your hygiene needs! 

To learn more about National Hygiene Week, click here.

If you would like to get involved in National Hygiene Week, please email NHW@thehygienebank.com 

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