Last updated on March 12th, 2024 at 11:04 pm
Lizzy Hall, The Hygiene Bank (THB) founder has been recognised as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her efforts in fighting hygiene poverty in the UK, in the King’s Birthday and New Year Honours list.
Lizzy said: ‘I am honoured to receive an MBE, but this accolade really belongs to all the volunteers who tirelessly work to collect, pack and deliver basics to support people who cannot afford to buy shampoo, a toothbrush or nappies. I am proud to accept this award on behalf of each and every one of them. We won’t stop until we end hygiene poverty in the UK.’.
In 2018, Lizzy was inspired by the film ‘I Daniel Blake’ (Dir. Ken Loach), which unveils the harsh realities faced by individuals in our society who are pushed into poverty. After watching the film, Lizzy was determined to take action. Deciding to research the impact of the lack of toiletries in her local community, she identified hygiene poverty and period poverty as a hidden crisis in the UK.
Lizzy’s belief that everyone deserves to feel clean and dignified led to the creation of The Hygiene Bank in 2018. Grounded in community, we are a people-powered charity and social movement who challenge the injustice of hygiene poverty and campaign for a future where everyone has access to the basics they need.
Today, with over 530 volunteers and 190 local projects across the UK, we have redistributed more than 1,500 tonnes of hygiene products to over 1,500 Community Partners across the country, including food banks, schools, refuges and homeless shelters.
Ruth Brock, CEO said: ‘We are extremely proud of Lizzy’s hard work, passion and dedication to fight hygiene poverty in the UK. This honour rightly recognises the fantastic work she started in 2018 and highlights our commitment to a world where everyone has access to basic hygiene products. I hope this will inspire everyone in the team and our hundreds of volunteers who strive day in, day out to build a society where everyone has the dignity and ability to feel clean’.
Dr James Dray, the new Chair of the Board of Trustees said: ‘This honour is a testament to the power of collective action that Lizzy has inspired over the past five years. It is a reminder that, together, we can fight the injustice of hygiene poverty and achieve real change.’.
