1st Step Development Ventures Receives Lintel Trust Grant to Establish Vital Hygiene Bank
1st Step Development Ventures Receives Lintel Trust Grant to Establish Vital Hygiene Bank
In a world where access to necessities can define the difference between inclusion and isolation, Lintel Trust is proud to support 1st Step Development Ventures, a charity dedicated to creating safe, supportive environments for individuals affected by addiction and poor mental health.
1st Step received a £1,000 Small Grant to 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 people.
The Challenge
Every week, 1st Step sees more than 400 people walk through its doors, each with their own story and each seeking support, connection and hope. The charity, powered by more than 40 committed volunteers, has built a strong foundation for redistributing surplus food.
However, hygiene products such as deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and laundry powder are rarely donated, despite being in constant demand. With the cost-of-living crisis adding even more financial pressure for people living in hardship, many 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 to these essentials can lead to social exclusion, mental health challenges and reduced employment prospects. Without basic hygiene products, individuals can 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.
This creates further disparity for people already experiencing inequalities. It is a hidden crisis, one that affects dignity as much as it does physical and mental health.
The Funding
With Lintel Trust’s support, 1st Step has been able to fill this crucial gap. The £1,000 grant has enabled the charity 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.
The Impact
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 towards recovery and reintegration.
Access to hygiene products plays a crucial role in enhancing individual confidence, physical and mental health, which are 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.
“Thank you for your generous support of £1,000 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 income, 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.”
At community level, this leads to increased participation, reduced stigma and stronger social cohesion. On a broader scale, improved hygiene can reduce the burden on public health services by helping to prevent 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 are a symbol that someone cares. They are a step towards connection, community and a future filled with hope.
