It can be hard to understand how something as simple as deodorant can make such a difference when it’s something we can buy without a second thought. But for those living in poverty, everyday basics like deodorant are luxury items and purchasing them can mean going without food or heating. Every month we support thousands of people to receive basic hygiene goods and toiletries including toothpaste, shampoo and nappies, but our cupboards are bare and we need your support! Below is a list of the items we need.
Items we need
Below is a list items we currently need. Please note we can only accept new / unused items:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash / shower gel - men's, women's and children
- Body / hand lotion
- Baby lotion
- Deodorant - men's and women's
- Toothbrushes - adults and children
- Toothpaste - adults and children
- Nappies and pull-ups - all sizes
- Baby wipes
- Bars of soap
- Razors
- Shaving gel
- Hand wash
- Face wash
- Toilet rolls
- Period products
- Incontinence pads
Organise a collection
Why not arrange a collection with friends, through a community group or through your school or workplace? We're on hand to support you every step of the way to make your event a success, and we've made it easy for you to promote, simply download the poster which details the items we need, and arrange your event. Once you've held your event you can arrange for delivery to our Watford facility. If you're thinking about organising an event and need support, contact our Community Relationships Coordinator, Naomi Bhundia by emailing: naomi.bhundia@goodsforgood.org.uk
Arrange delivery
If you live in Watford or the surrounding area all you need to do is email us and arrange a time to drop-off your donation.
If you live outside of Watford and want to post your items to us, simply download the packaging label, by clicking the link below, attaching it to your parcel and sending it via your local Post Office or courier service.
Donate through our wish-list
In 2021, we partnered with Common Good to help us reach more people in need of toiletries and hygiene goods. The website works like a gift registry for charitable causes, allowing us to list the items we need most, so you can then select the items you wish to donate to us. We listed the items we need, you pick the items you want to donate, they deliver them, it's as simple as that! You don't even have to pay for postage; you only pay for the products. The zero waste platform, means you can make your donation knowing you’re also helping to reduce plastic, paper and card waste.
- Browse the items we need
- Select the items you wish to donate
- Pay for your items
What is hygiene poverty?
Hygiene Poverty could look like struggling to wash your hair because you can’t afford shampoo or having to reuse nappies for your children. The Hygiene Bank's latest report reveals that 4.2 million adults in the UK are unable to afford basic hygiene essentials, such as razors, laundry detergent or deodorant. Since 2022, the cost of living and inflation crises have pushed an additional 1.1m people into hygiene poverty - the equivalent of the population of Birmingham.
A staggering 69% of adults experiencing hygiene poverty are having to make the difficult decision between paying for essential needs like food and bills or purchasing basic toiletries.
Social isolation was also identified as a significant impact of hygiene poverty, with many respondents reporting feelings of shame and anxiety, which often leads to isolation.
- 40% reported having decreased their social interactions with friends and family
- 13% said they have avoided going to work due to hygiene related issues
In the UK, 1 in 10 girls can't afford to buy menstrual products, while 1 in 7 have struggled to afford them, according to a survey of young women aged 14-21 by Plan International UK.
How your donation helps
It's a sad reality that 8% of the UK's population are affected by hygiene poverty. That's over 4 million adults unable to purchase the everyday hygiene and personal grooming products we take for granted.
Your donation of toiletries can make a world of difference for those affected by hygiene poverty. Whether it's providing essential grooming products to a mum who has fled with her children from an abusive relationship, or supplying toiletries to someone who is homeless, your support helps restore dignity and confidence. Simple items like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste can empower individuals to face their challenges with greater self-esteem and improve their overall well-being. Your contribution ensures that everyone has access to the basic hygiene products they need to feel clean, healthy, and respected.
FAQs
- How do I donate? Simply click the link to our wish list here and you can then select the items you wish to donate to us.
- Do I need to create an account to donate? You do not need to create an account with Common Good to be able to donate. However, if you plan on making regular donations to Goods For Good it might be easier to create an account, especially as it only takes a few simple steps: click on the ‘My account’ icon on the right hand side and fill in the information.
- Do I need to pay delivery? Absolutely not! For Common Good don't charge you, or us, for anything other than the actual products.
- How much of my donation goes to Goods For Good? For Common Good guarantee that 100% of your donation goes straight to us.
Help us fight hygiene poverty by donating items like soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, and more. Our partnership with Common Good allows you to donate the items we need with ease, meaning we're able to help more people access the everyday essentials they aren’t able to purchase themselves. Visit our wish-list today to view the items we currently need.
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