We collect, buy, collate and distribute toiletry and hygiene essentials to local organisations and charities whose clients are living with hygiene poverty.
How it started
Bare Necessities is a grassroots registered charity founded in February 2018 after hygiene poverty was headlining. Inspired by conversations among friends and in our local community we started Bare Necessities.
Our story
We quickly realised this largely undiscussed and unknown layer of poverty was affecting lots of local people with devastating effects on their lives. To reach out to as many people as possible we work with existing organisations and charities whose clients are suffering financial hardship or poverty. This way in helping a few, we help many.
What we do
We encourage local people to donate toiletries and hygiene essentials at our drop off points and local businesses to host our donation boxes, either on an ongoing basis or for a short corporate toiletry drive.
Hygiene poverty is an invisible crisis.
It negatively impacts mental health and well-being
It's brushing teeth with just water
It’s dirty, smelly clothes
It’s being judged for being unclean
3 in 10
Children in the UK are living in poverty.*
4.2m
Households are going without essentials.*
50%
of all families on Universal Credit are reducing the number of showers they take.*
28%
of people in Hygiene Poverty are washing their clothes less than needed.**
*Joseph Rowntree Foundation Oct 2023
**In Kind Hygiene Poverty Report 2024
So what sets us apart?
Our Tote bags do.
Many are hand sewn by our team of volunteer Sewing Bees. Each is hand packed with love and care by our Team Tuesday volunteers.
Our Approach
Rather than a ‘one size fits all' approach, we know that needs subtly differ and so we make up four types; women, men, teen boy and teen girl, that way nothing is wasted.
Confidence Booster
We also provide Five Days of Dignity packs for rough sleepers, packed with essentials in an easy to carry and store bag. Our women’s Well-Being packs contain a few well deserved treats to give a much needed confidence boost.
And we do so much more.
Give a Smile.
SUDs Laundry.
Celebration Packs.
When funds permit we run our special projects.
Each is hugely well received.
Give a Smile
Our award winning dental hygiene project has been running since 2021 and provides 3 months' supply of quality dental to families and individuals. We run at least 2 phases a year, partnering with one of our corporate supporters.
SUDs Laundry
With the price of laundry detergent on the rise, over 40% of households living in poverty cannot afford it. Through SUDs we give the gift of clean clothes.
Celebration Packs
Our celebration packs help people living in poorer households join in. When it’s out of the question to find extra money for a little gift or treat we provide Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Teenage Prom and Christmas packs. Hygiene poverty removes so much choice, these packs help redress the balance.
Board of Trustees
Chair
Wendy Hobson
Wendy is Chair of Bare Necessities. Her professional career was in marketing and business development, first client side and then in her own consultancy advising companies on their communication needs. Wendy draws on this experience for the management, funding and development of the charity.
"I'm proud of the charity we have built from the ground up raising awareness of hygiene poverty and helping so many local people. It is a huge privilege to work with our team of trustees and incredible volunteers."
Trustee
Abigail Gill
Abigail is a retired Stockport GP and has worked closely with patients whose physical and mental health has been impacted by poverty. It is this experience that Abigail brings to the charity helping to inform decisions around the organisations and charities we help.
“Hygiene poverty is sadly a worsening crisis. In my role as a trustee, I feel that I can make a positive impact to help address this by liaising with charities and organisations who require our help and organising fundraising activities so we can continue our vital work.“
Trustee
Diane Smith
Diane retired from the Private Banking Sector where she was part of the Senior Management Team specifically focused on the organisation and delivery of the business strategy. Diane is keen to be involved in the local community and the volunteer led ethos of Bare Necessities brings the opportunity to directly contribute in making a difference to the charities who rely on our activities.
“I am particularly thrilled with the success of the Sewing Bees where the feedback from individuals who have received these specially sewn bags containing products has been amazing.”
Trustee
Beverly Heagerty
Beverly has a background in education and healthcare and has witnessed at first-hand the implications of deprivation and hygiene poverty. She is very proud to have been part of Bare Necessities since its inception and seeing how much it has grown. Beverly assists in ensuring the smooth running of operations and thoroughly enjoys being part of the Bare Necessities team.
“I find it very rewarding to be part of the process from ordering products, sorting out donated products, making up packs and ensuring that items prepared reach the correct charities and can be passed on to those in need.”
Trustee
Ben Lambert
Ben brings a younger perspective to the Bare Necessities Board. With a background in client acquisition and activation within the marketing sector, Ben knows how to engage people and drive support. No stranger to fundraising, he’s previously raised over £10,000 for East Cheshire Hospice and The Christie. As a keen sportsman and active member of local clubs, Ben thrives on teamwork —both on and off the field.
“I am passionate about tackling hygiene poverty, and this year I am taking on the London Marathon in April 2025 to raise vital funds for the charity.”
Trustee
Louise Russell
With a background in marketing and communications, plus involvement with other charities and fund-raising organisations, Louise is using over 30 years of knowledge to increase awareness of the charity across all channels. As a member of Team Tuesday Louise also has a hands-on role - bag packing, delivering and visiting charity partners.
"Since becoming a trustee and visiting charities it is reassuring to see that every penny raised by Bare Necessities is spent helping those suffering hygiene poverty."
Trustee
Jackie Waugh
Jackie has over 30 years experience as a solicitor and board director in several property development and investment companies. Jackie is looking to bring her experience in the corporate world to help support the funding and development of the charity.
“This is such a worthwhile charity that in my role as trustee, I would like to increase awareness and gain greater corporate support by forging links with local businesses.”
Help us end hygiene poverty for good.
What can you do?
