Late August 2018, Lizzy watched the Ken Loach film ‘I Daniel Blake’. Moved by the scene where a single mother is caught shop lifting for basic toiletries, Lizzy sent a WhatsApp to friends saying she was collecting items to take to her local foodbank. Driven by a belief that everyone in society deserves to feel clean and dignified; that no-one should be left struggling to wash their hair, brush their teeth, or be unable to change their baby's nappy as often as needed because of low wages, high housing costs, benefit cuts, illness, or bereavement, Lizzy set up The Hygiene Bank.
In October 2019 she was proud to receive The Woman Of The Year, Boots sponsored Wellness Warrior for her work with The Hygiene Bank.
Lizzy started her career as an intern in the press office of Action Aid before working for PR company Freud Communications. FMCG agency marketing roles followed before finally becoming Marketing Director of The Carbon Neutral Company and teaching yoga at Holloway Prison. Lizzy then took a long career break to raise her family before being inspired to launch The Hygiene Bank. In 2011 she was suddenly widowed and so has personal appreciation of how life circumstances can change dramatically.
Hygiene is about well being, self confidence and dignity. We believe no one should be left struggling to wash their hair, brush their teeth, change their baby's nappy as often as needed or not afford period protection because of low wages, high housing costs, benefit cuts, illness or bereavement. The Hygiene Bank gives those who are struggling to get by access to these basic hygiene and personal care essentials.