04 Sept 2023
Find out all about smol's Suds in Schools Project and help us create free-to-use school laundrettes so children living in hygiene poverty can access clean clothes via Suds in Schools.
Here's our frequently asked questions...
hygiene poverty.
what is hygiene poverty?
Hygiene poverty is not being able to afford everyday essential personal care products that many of us take for granted.
This could result in not being able to shower with shampoo and soap, sharing a toothbrush and not using any toothpaste, washing your clothes less often because you can’t afford laundry detergent or having to reuse disposable nappies because you can only afford one per day.
Hygiene poverty often means people must choose between paying bills and feeding their family or spending their money on hygiene products. There is a huge stigma attached to hygiene poverty, but with over 4 million of us living in poverty here in the UK, it’s clearly something we should talk about more.
how much of an issue is hygiene poverty in schools?
Our research amongst state school teachers showed over 95% were aware of pupils who they know, or believed to be, in hygiene poverty, over the past year. Of those, 80% believe there has been an increase in hygiene poverty in their school in the last year.
Over 50% feel hygiene poverty is contributing towards feelings of low self esteem for pupils and 41% of school staff have seen children being bullied as a result of hygiene poverty.
Suds in Schools.
what is Suds in Schools?
smol first launched Suds in Schools in 2021, with The Hygiene Bank charity to create mini laundrettes in UK schools to provide school children with clean clothes free of charge.
So far, we’ve opened 100 Suds in Schools sites and smol will provide free washing capsules for every single site ongoing.
what is the aim of Suds in Schools?
The aim of Suds in Schools is to raise awareness of hygiene poverty and provide ways to support those experiencing it.
Our research amongst parents and teachers of children in UK primary and secondary state schools revealed a significant increase in children experiencing hygiene poverty through 2024, with a concerning impact on their wellbeing, ability to learn and school attendance. One outcome of this sees teachers personally intervening to provide clean clothes for pupils.
how much does a Suds in Schools laundrette cost?
It can cost up between £800-£1,000 to set up a full Suds in Schools laundrette. This includes installation of an energy efficient washing machine, delivery and logistics.
who will be able to use the washing machines?
The mini-laundrette is managed by the school so it is up to their discretion who is allowed to use it, but the aim is that both families and teachers will be able to use the washing machines as needed. We work closely with each school to ensure best practice and support them ongoing.
can Suds in Schools be used by the rest of the community too - or just the children at the school?
Currently it is only available for families at that particular school, as we need to ensure the safeguarding of all children. The washing machines have been set up in areas that are at times accessible to parents in some schools - such as after school clubs.
In the future we’d love to explore how we can expand this out to community groups to give access to more families who need help.
The Hygiene Bank.
who is The Hygiene Bank?
The Hygiene Bank is a community-led national charity and social movement tackling hygiene poverty in the UK. With over 200 local projects in the UK, it is powered by volunteers, who collect donated hygiene basics and distribute them to people in need via local community partners such as food banks, schools and refuges. Driven by the belief that everyone deserves to feel clean, The Hygiene Bank challenges the injustice of hygiene poverty and advocates for a future where everyone has access to the basics they need to feel clean and healthy.
how you can help.
how can I donate to Suds in Schools?
You can donate anything from £1 towards Suds in Schools campaign via our ongoing Crowdfunder page.
Crowdfunder is a well known fundraising platform, where people can donate online to support different causes like Suds in Schools.
where does my donation go?
Together, all the donations will help support setting up more Suds in Schools laundrettes in the UK. Your donation will go to setting up a school with an energy efficient washing machine with a brilliant warranty. This includes the delivery and set up of the machine.
can I nominate a school to get a machine?
Yes, you can head to this form to answer a few quick questions here. We will be working closely with The Hygiene Bank to identify and select schools who may have families who are experiencing hygiene poverty.
what is ‘donate a wash’ and how can I get involved?
Another way we support people experiencing hygiene poverty at smol is with our Donate a Wash scheme. Customers can add 30p to their smol laundry or dishwash plan, so that each time your pack of smol processes, you give TWO laundry washes directly to The Hygiene Bank to help those in need. So far we’ve donated over 2.4 million washes to support those in need.
In order to take part in the ‘donate a wash’ scheme you need to be signed up to smol, however, you can donate to the Suds in Schools Crowdfunder or head to our social media pages @smolproducts to find out more..
haven’t you already done a Crowdfunder for this?
Yes, but sadly the need for essential hygiene products is increasing and the need for initiatives like Suds in Schools is still very prominent. With more fundraising, we can set up more school laundrettes. Our previous campaign has made a monumental difference to a lot of children so of course, we’re keen to make this difference available to even more kids - therefore our crowdfunder remains ongoing.
For any further questions on smol Suds in Schools, please email sudsinschools@smolproducts.com and we’ll be happy to help.