Breaking the Silence on
Hygiene Insecurity
Since 2024 Kitty’s have been working in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University to carry out research into how Hygiene Insecurity (also termed hygiene poverty) is affecting our community. The project aims to take a collaborative, community-led approach that encompasses interviews, focus groups and creative workshops.
We hope that the research can help inform the creation of solutions that are designed by and for our neighbourhood.
WHAT IS HYGIENE INSECURITY?
Hygiene insecurity refers to the inability to access or afford basic hygiene products and facilities essential for personal cleanliness, health, and dignity. This includes items like soap, toothpaste, deodorant, menstrual hygiene products, laundry detergent, and access to clean washing or bathing spaces. It is also sometimes known as hygiene poverty, but “hygiene insecurity” is considered a less stigmatising term.
Hygiene Insecurity is said to affect up to 9.2 million adults in the UK
The research carried out by both The Hygiene Bank and In Kind Direct has been key to bringing a much needed conversation to the table. To access the research please click on their logos below:
THE STORY SO FAR
Since opening in May 2019 Kitty’s has set out to support those in our community who are experiencing hygiene insecurity. We offer support by offering the use of our Do-It-Yourself laundry services for free through our Free Washing and Drying Scheme. The usage of our free washing scheme has seen a year on year rise. We work across our community to build partnerships to make sure that information about the scheme is reaching those who need it most. These partners include but are not limited to our local pantries/foodbanks, community centres, asylum/refugee support orgs, schools and colleges and also statutory bodies such as NHS and the local authority.
While the Free Washing and Drying scheme may be able to provide support for those who were previously unable to access laundry facilities, we know that the issue of HI extends far beyond. This is why in late 2024 we started to work with Susan Barry, Senior Lecturer at LJMU Business School, on a research project that aims to explore the impact of Hygiene Insecurity on our community.
We know that complex problems require innovative and collaborative solutions and by partnering with Liverpool John Moores University we have the capacity to hear from people in our community what meaningful and accessible hygiene solutions look like to them. Below you can see some of the forms the project has taken so far.
1 TO 1 INTERVIEWS
We have carried out a series of 1 to 1 interviews in Kitty’s and other community spaces. This has given participants not only the opportunity to share their insights into the struggles of hygiene insecurity but also gave space for them to help play a part in imagining and building community informed solutions. If you would like to take part in a 1 to 1 interview please contact community@kittyslaunderette.org.uk
for further information. You will receive a £20 Love2Shop voucher as a reimbursement for your time.
FOCUS GROUPS
Our focus groups have taken place in community venues such as Anfield Children’s Centre and St George’s Pantry. The purpose of the focus group has been to make space for the sharing of collective experiences of hygiene insecurity. As stigma is a massive part of the issue people face when experiencing hygiene insecurity we believe it is important to create spaces where these historically difficult conversations can be had in a safe and supportive environment.
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
At Kitty’s we aim to use creativity to connect, learn and innovate. As part of this project we have collaborated with local soap maker Georgina Tang, owner of YNNY Ltd, to host a series of Soap Making and Conversation workshops. The workshops were designed to help generate conversations about hygiene insecurity while also teaching a practical skill that people can use to save money.
We also hosted a workshop with the Anfield Writers group, that meets at Kitty’s once a month. They responded to the topic of hygiene insecurity through creative writing.
Below you can listen to some of the poems recorded by the group:
LOCAL HYGIENE NETWORK
We know that creating solutions to issues facing communities requires a cross-sector approach. This is why in October 2025 we invited together representatives from across the statutory and third sectors to speak about the current strategies we have in place to support those living in hygiene insecurity. We also took this opportunity to discuss ways we can better work together to ensure support is connective and maximises the resources we have. Ideas suggested included signposting via digital maps, more accessible hygiene products in existing spaces and regular update sharing within the network. If you work for a local organisation who is interested in finding out more about the network please email community@kittyslaunderette.org.uk
WHERE TO FIND SUPPORT?
Events
Our customers already know we are much more than just a launderette and dry cleaners - we also host events, workshops for families and kids, film nights, music nights and whatever else we can fit into our space!
We also have knitting club every Monday and a tea & toast morning every Tuesday, from 10am - 12pm. Both are completely free and open to all.
Alterations
Due to popular demand in 2023, we launched our repairs and alteration services, in partnership with local seamstress Kay Case.
Simply drop off your items at Kitty’s by 12pm on Monday, and Kay will collect, repair and return them on the following Monday.
Please note, the alteration service is a separate business to Kitty’s, and payments have to be taken in cash. For any questions please contact Kay directly.
Free Washing Scheme
Kitty's Launderette works with local organisations to provide free washing vouchers for people in our community who do not have access to affordable laundry facilities.
We work closely with organisations such as Shelter, New Beginning Improving Lives, BNENC, Everton and Anfield Children's Centres and the Whitechapel Centre, who can identify and refer service users that may benefit from our voucher scheme.
If you require free laundry facilities please contact your local community organisation and get referred, or come in and speak to our team.
