A Thank you for The Hygiene Bank Donations

Thank You for Supporting Our Hygiene Bank Collection at the Loo of the Year Awards

At the Loo of the Year Awards, we celebrate excellence, pride and professionalism in washrooms across the UK. But this year, alongside the trophies and applause, something equally important was happening, a collective act of kindness.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our attendees, sponsors and supporters, we were proud to host a Hygiene Bank collection on the day of the Awards, gathering essential hygiene items that we are hoping to pass on later this week. Every donation, no matter how small it may seem, will help restore dignity, confidence and wellbeing to someone who needs it.

Why This Matters

Hygiene poverty is an issue that often goes unseen; but its impact is profound.

The Hygiene Bank, which now has 170 units nationwide supported by over 600 volunteers, works tirelessly to ensure people have access to basic hygiene essentials such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant and period products. Sadly, the need for this support continues to grow.

Across the UK:

• 4.2 million adults (almost 10%) are living in hygiene poverty

• Over 1 million children are affected, with many experiencing bullying, low self-confidence or missing school

• Poor dental hygiene is now the leading cause of child attendance at A&E

• 8.7 million adults have missed work, social events or job interviews because they lacked hygiene products

• 1 in 10 children have skipped school due to embarrassment or bullying linked to poor hygiene

These figures are sobering — and they highlight why access to basic hygiene products is not a luxury, but a necessity.

The Wider Impact of Hygiene Poverty

For many people, hygiene poverty forces impossible choices.

• 69% of adults affected must choose between food, bills or toiletries

• 65% of parents have had to decide whether to buy hygiene products for themselves or their children

• 54% have not visited a dentist in the last 12 months

• 92% say hygiene poverty limits their social interactions

• 50% report anxiety or depression as a result

Hygiene poverty disproportionately affects people on lower incomes, those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, unemployed adults and younger people. Many also report feelings of embarrassment or shame, which can prevent them from asking for help.

A Collective Effort That Makes a Real Difference

This is why the support shown at the Loo of the Year Awards means so much. By donating hygiene items, our community has helped take a small but powerful step towards addressing an issue that affects millions — quietly, daily and often invisibly.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed. Your kindness helps people feel seen, supported and valued.

How You Can Continue to Help

If you would like to support The Hygiene Bank beyond our Awards collection, there are easy ways to get involved:

• Look out for the big yellow Hygiene Bank donation bins in over 1,300 Boots stores across the UK

• Support the “Buy One, Donate One” scheme available in many Boots locations

• Find out more about The Hygiene Bank and make a donation directly via their website: www.thehygienebank.com

Together, small actions really do add up — and access to basic hygiene products can be truly life-changing.

From all of us at the Loo of the Year Awards, thank you for helping us shine a light on hygiene poverty and for being part of the change.