The grant will help enhance its Community Food Revolution, a project that not only tackles food insecurity but now also addresses the often, overlooked need for hygiene products among some of society’s most vulnerable.

Every week, 1st Step already sees more than 400 people walk through their doors, each with their own story, each seeking support, connection, and hope. The charity, powered by over 40 committed volunteers, has built a strong foundation for redistributing surplus food. 

However, hygiene products like deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and laundry powder are rarely donated, despite being in constant demand. With the of cost-of-living crisis adding even more financial pressure on people living in hardship, worryingly, people in hardship are being pushed into hygiene poverty. Research from The

Hygiene Bank UK’s latest report revealed that 4.2 million adults across the UK cannot afford hygiene or cleaning products. Lack of access can lead to social exclusion, mental health challenges, and reduced employment prospects.

Without access to these essentials, individuals often struggle with self-confidence. For many, this leads to a deep sense of shame and isolation, reinforcing barriers to employment, social engagement, and even stepping outside. Creating further disparity for many already suffering disproportionately from inequalities. It’s a hidden crisis - one that affects dignity as much as it does physical and mental health.

With Lintel Trust’s support, 1st Step has been able to fill this crucial gap. The £1,000 grant has enabled them to purchase and provide hygiene items regularly and reliably to those who need them most, free of charge, without judgment, and with compassion.

What started as a food redistribution effort has grown into a broader Community Food Revolution - one that now restores dignity along with nourishment. Hygiene care packages are now a regular part of what 1st Step offers, helping individuals feel clean, confident, and cared for.

This small grant has made a big difference. By equipping people with basic hygiene products, 1st Step empowers them to re-engage with society, rebuild self-esteem, and take meaningful steps toward recovery and reintegration. 

Maria Thorpe, 1st Step development manager, said: “Thank you for your generous support of £1000 for hygiene products. Because our project is based on surplus food donations, we rarely receive non-food essential items like these. For people on low incomes, access to hygiene products can make a significant difference to health, dignity and overall wellbeing. Your support helps fill a vital gap which will make a profound difference to many people.”  

Access to hygiene products plays a crucial role in enhancing individual confidence, physical and mental health; key foundations for personal wellbeing and employability. When people can maintain basic hygiene, they are more likely to engage socially, pursue education or work, and feel a sense of dignity. 

At the community level, this leads to increased participation, reduced stigma, and stronger social cohesion. On a broader scale, improved hygiene reduces the burden on public health services, lowering NHS costs through the prevention of hygiene-related illnesses and supporting a healthier, more economically active society.

For the hundreds who rely on 1st Step each week, these hygiene packs represent more than practicality; they’re a symbol that someone cares. They’re a step toward connection, community, and a future filled with hope.