Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Social Justice

Changemakers: Beauty Banks is solving hygiene poverty

With austerity hitting hard, Beauty Banks was established to fight hygiene poverty by redistributing cosmetics and hygiene products to charity

Beauty Banks

This week’s Changemakers Top 100 special edition features the world’s leading thinkers, shakers and agitators. Throughout the week we’ll be highlighting just a few online.

Beauty Banks was launched by journalist Sali Hughes and global director of beauty for PR firm The Communications Store, Jo Jones, last year. A charity running on a foodbank model, donations of essential care and cosmetic products are collected, repackaged and redistributed to charities who can ensure they end up in the hands of people who will benefit most.

Frustrated by seeing increasing waste and excessive luxury within the industry, Hughes and Jones set up the organisation, fighting hygiene poverty while many hit by austerity and Universal Credit have to choose between cleanliness and food.

Beauty Banks has also linked up with online cash-and-carry Easho to allow people to donate remotely – by buying products online to be sent straight to the charity. This year they want to encourage others to set up similar projects in their communities, meanwhile expanding their network of ‘beauty spot’ donation drop-off points across the country. To donate head to easho.co.uk/beauty-bank

Read the full article in this week's Big Issue.
Find your vendor
The socially conscious guide to Grand Theft Auto VI

Image: Sali Hughes

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

There’s more than one way to make a difference

Big Issue vendors need you more than ever this Christmas.

Recommended for you

View all
'I was hit by the carer's allowance scandal. I don't think the DWP realises the anguish we faced'
Samantha Richards and her son.
Samantha Richards

'I was hit by the carer's allowance scandal. I don't think the DWP realises the anguish we faced'

A bit of Beethoven can ensure we’re not deaf to the dangers of falling into poverty 
An 1820 portrait of Beethoven by Joseph Karl Stieler
John Bird

A bit of Beethoven can ensure we’re not deaf to the dangers of falling into poverty 

Tory plans to slash benefits for disabled kids will take UK back to 'dark ages', campaigners warn
Kemi Badenoch
Benefits

Tory plans to slash benefits for disabled kids will take UK back to 'dark ages', campaigners warn

Immigration reforms leave refugee women facing 30-year wait: 'I thought I was safe, I was wrong'
The silhouette of a woman against a blue sky
Immigration

Immigration reforms leave refugee women facing 30-year wait: 'I thought I was safe, I was wrong'