What is Bank of Things?
Bank of Things is a small but important idea. Young people between 11 and 25 living in Lewisham can access free basic essentials – toiletries, sanitary products, school supplies, hygiene items – without having to explain themselves, fill in a form, or prove they need it.
It is there because the cost of living has made simple things difficult, because young people sometimes fall through the gaps of other support, and because a young person should not have to skip school, work or a social event because they do not have deodorant, toothpaste or a period product.
Who Bank of Things is for
Anyone aged 11 to 25 who lives, studies or works in Lewisham. You do not need to be in crisis. You do not need to be referred. You do not need to prove anything. If you need essentials and you are a young person in Lewisham, Bank of Things is for you.
Parents, carers, teachers, youth workers, and community organisation staff can also access items on behalf of young people they support.
-
Toiletries
Shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, moisturiser, and everything else you might expect in a bathroom.
-
Sanitary products
Pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period pants. Free, no questions, in a range of brands and types.
-
School supplies
Notebooks, pens, folders, backpacks, calculators, and other basic supplies for school, college and university students.
-
Hygiene and household
Laundry detergent, cleaning products, hand soap, and other essentials for keeping yourself and your space clean.
How to get essentials
Bank of Things works through a network of pickup points across Lewisham – schools, colleges, community centres, youth clubs, and other spaces young people already go. Have a look at the map to find your nearest point and when it is open.
If none of the pickup points work for you, get in touch and we will find another way.
Businesses and organisations: donate stock
Bank of Things depends on donations from businesses, community groups, and individuals. If you have surplus stock, run a business that produces essentials, or want to organise a donation drive with your team or customers, we would love to hear from you.
We can accept regular deliveries, one-off donations, and specific product sponsorships. Everything we receive is used or shared.
More at Lewisham Local
-
Foodcycle Lewisham
A free three-course meal cooked by volunteers using surplus food, every Saturday at the Lewisham Irish Community Centre. Open to anyone. No booking, no cost, no questions.
-
Warm Welcomes
Free indoor spaces across Lewisham with tea, food and company. Warm Welcomes runs through the winter at community centres, cafés, faith spaces and libraries across the borough. Everyone is welcome.