Barking and Dagenham, in partnership with award-winning charity ShowerBox and Barking Churches Unite, launched the UK’s first purpose-built shower facility.
In a landmark move to support individuals experiencing homelessness, the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has launched the UK’s first purpose-built shower facility. Developed in partnership with award-winning charity ShowerBox and Barking Churches Unite, the facility, named ShowerBox Barking, is now open at Barking Learning Centre.
The initiative aims to provide homeless individuals with access to essential hygiene facilities, including hot showers, clean underwear, refreshments, and a place to rest. The project is a direct response to the borough’s growing homelessness crisis and the increasing health risks associated with poor sanitation.
Addressing a Growing Crisis
Like many other London boroughs, Barking and Dagenham has seen a significant rise in rough sleeping. Between 2020/21 and 2022/23, the number of people sleeping on the streets increased by 64%. Poor sanitation among this vulnerable population can lead to serious health complications, including a higher risk of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, which rough sleepers are 24 times more likely to contract than the general population.
Life expectancy for those who experience homelessness is shockingly low, averaging just 43 years for men and 45 years for women. Many of these premature deaths are caused by preventable hygiene-related conditions such as sepsis. The lack of access to sanitation also contributes to increased demand on emergency medical services, with many rough sleepers requiring hospital treatment for conditions like cellulitis.
A Partnership Built on Community Support
The idea for a dedicated shower facility stemmed from a series of “Pop Up” events held across Barking and Dagenham. These events, organised by ShowerBox, Barking Churches Unite, and the council, provided homeless individuals with immediate access to food, clothing, medical care, and showers. Feedback from attendees made it clear that access to hygiene services was a major draw, highlighting the urgent need for a permanent solution.
ShowerBox Barking has been made possible through funding from the Barking and Dagenham Health Inequalities Programme, a scheme supported by NHS North East London and the Barking and Dagenham Place-Based Partnership. Additional backing, including financial and in-kind support, has come from ShowerBox, Barking Churches Unite, and local volunteers.
Leaders Celebrate a Transformational Initiative
Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Integration, has been a driving force behind the project. Speaking at the launch event, she described the initiative as a “dream come true.”
“The importance of providing access to sanitation cannot be underestimated,” she said. “Not just for improving personal hygiene and preventing disease, but also for improving the life chances of some of our most disadvantaged residents. Too often, people experiencing homelessness are overlooked and undervalued. By offering something as simple as a hot shower, we can help restore their dignity and self-worth.”
Sarah Lamptey MBE, Founder and Chief Executive of ShowerBox, echoed this sentiment, calling the launch a significant milestone for the charity.
“The opening of ShowerBox Barking is a momentous occasion,” Lamptey said. “This facility represents years of effort by our growing team to provide much-needed support to those living without access to hygiene facilities. Since 2018, we’ve been working towards this goal—helping individuals regain a sense of dignity through something as simple as a shower. The positive impact on physical health, mental wellbeing, and self-respect cannot be overstated.”
A Step Towards Greater Support
The opening of ShowerBox Barking marks a significant step forward in efforts to tackle homelessness in East London. Beyond providing basic hygiene services, the facility serves as a symbol of the community’s commitment to supporting its most vulnerable members. By addressing the immediate health risks associated with homelessness, the project aims to pave the way for broader initiatives that help individuals rebuild their lives.
ShowerBox Barking is now open at Barking Learning Centre, providing a safe and welcoming space for those in need. The council and its partners hope this pioneering initiative will serve as a model for other boroughs looking to provide similar essential services for people experiencing homelessness.
