Fighting Hygiene Poverty Together

At YLF we know that supporting young people goes far beyond offering guidance and emotional support – it also means making sure they have the essentials they need to live with dignity and confidence. That’s why our partnership with The Hygiene Bank Medway (THB Medway) has been so vital to the young people we work with.

We’re proud to be one of THB Medway’s 45 Community Partners and even prouder of the impact this collaboration has had.

“We have a dedicated team of staff and over 250 volunteers who build trusted relationships with young people and offer emotional and practical support. The hygiene products we receive through THB Medway are distributed by the team during home visits, or young people can collect them directly from our office. This is invaluable support for many who are living independently with little or no income.” – Amy, Fundraising Coordinator at YLF

The cost-of-living crisis continues to put immense pressure on the young people we support particularly those leaving care or living alone. When they’re forced to make tough choices between food, heating, and hygiene essentials, their well-being and mental health suffer.

We’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as having shampoo, deodorant, or toothpaste can restore a young person’s confidence. Many tell us how these items reduce the stress of managing tight budgets and help them feel more presentable for job interviews, school, or socialising – things many of us might take for granted.