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Hygiene poverty on the rise in the U.K.

Hygiene Poverty - Level 4

Millions of people in the U.K. cannot buy essential hygiene products because of the rising cost of living. The charity Hygiene Bank states that up to 3.2 million adults are living in "hygiene poverty". They cannot afford basic goods such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shaving products, toilet paper and sanitary products. They have to choose between eating or buying hygiene products. Hygiene Bank called it a "hidden crisis" that "impacted the most vulnerable".

Hygiene poverty is devastating. People are too ashamed to leave their house because they are worried about smelling bad. Hygiene Bank gave examples of the effects it has on people. It said: "We have mums telling us…that they want to be last on the nursery drop-off because they're too embarrassed and ashamed to see other parents." Many people with acne are seeing their condition worsen because they cannot afford soap.

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Hygiene Poverty - Level 5

With the rising cost of living, millions of people in the U.K. are cutting back on essential hygiene products. This has been termed "hygiene poverty". The charity Hygiene Bank states that up to 3.2 million adults cannot afford basic goods such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shaving products, toilet paper and sanitary products. They have a harrowing choice of eating and heating their homes or buying hygiene products. Hygiene Bank described the problem as a "hidden crisis". It added: "It's increasing, and it's disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable".

Hygiene poverty is devastating. Many people feel too ashamed to leave their house because they are worried about smelling bad. Hygiene Bank warned of the repercussions of being unable to maintain basic hygiene standards. It said: "We have mums telling us…that they want to be last on the nursery drop-off because they're too embarrassed and ashamed to see other parents." Many people with acne are seeing their condition worsen because they cannot afford soap. Others are avoiding all social contact by not answering their phone.

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11 online activities    |    8-page printable   (PDF)

Hygiene Poverty - Level 6

With the spiralling cost of living, many people are making drastic cutbacks. In the UK, millions of people can no longer afford essential hygiene products. This has been termed "hygiene poverty". A report from the charity Hygiene Bank states that up to 3.2 million adults are affected by this. Britons are foregoing basic goods such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shaving products, toilet paper and sanitary products. They are facing the harrowing decision of eating and heating their homes and not buying hygiene products. Hygiene Bank described the problem as a "hidden crisis". It said the situation is "much more widespread than we feared. It's increasing, and it's disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable".

Hygiene poverty is having a devastating impact on people's daily lives. Many people feel too ashamed to leave their house because they are worried about looking dirty or smelling bad. Hygiene Bank's chief executive Ruth Brock warned of the terrible repercussions of being unable to maintain basic hygiene standards. She said many people cannot "access their life chances". She said: "We have mums telling us…that they want to be last on the nursery drop-off because they're too embarrassed and ashamed to see other parents." Many people with acne are worsening their condition because they cannot afford soap. Others are avoiding all social contact by not answering their phone.

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25 online activities    |    27-page printable    |    2-page mini-lesson