Rising hygiene poverty keeps pupils out of school, charities warn
The lack of access to products such as toothpaste, soap and period supplies is becoming a ‘silent barrier’ to education and participation
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Teachers and school leaders are being urged to recognise the growing impact of hygiene poverty on attendance and pupil wellbeing, as new data reveal one in 10 children in the UK have missed school because they could not afford basic hygiene products.
Charities In Kind Direct and The Hygiene Bank, which commissioned the research, revealed that 21% of children living in hygiene poverty avoid playing with others for fear of being judged. More than a quarter report low self-confidence, and 17% feel embarrassed or ashamed.
In light of this, the two charities warn that lack of access to products such as toothpaste, soap and period supplies is becoming a “silent barrier” to education and participation. They say that rising costs and wage stagnation are driving more families into hardship each year.
Ruth Brock, chief executive of The Hygiene Bank, said: “No one should be in hygiene poverty in the UK today. It undermines children’s health and confidence, and it holds back their ability to learn and thrive. Every day, our volunteers see the impact on families forced to choose between eating and keeping clean.
“By joining forces with In Kind Direct, we are determined to shine a light on this hidden crisis and build the roadmap to end hygiene poverty once and for all.”
The two charities have launched a new coalition to end hygiene poverty by 2030. They plan to build the UK’s first national roadmap on the issue, developed with input from policymakers, educators, community groups and people with lived experience.
Michael Gidney, chief executive of In Kind Direct, added: “Before people go to a food bank, they often go without basics like toothpaste or shampoo. No parent should have to send their child to school without brushing their teeth. This is a scandal that shouldn’t exist.”
The charities are encouraging schools to engage with the campaign, share experiences from pupils and families, and help shape the national roadmap to ensure that by 2030, no child misses school for want of soap or toothpaste.