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Barking baths

April 01 2025
The opening of the new ShowerBox in Barking. © Emdad Rahman The opening of the new ShowerBox in Barking. © Emdad Rahman

ShowerBox has opened a new location in the London borough of Barking and Dagenham, offering a lifeline for the borough’s homeless community, writes Emdad Rahman

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, working with Barking Churches, has taken a significant step in supporting its homeless community, welcoming a new ShowerBox location. The free and secure shower facility is designed to offer respite, dignity and essential hygiene to those in need.

The launch event was hosted by Zoinul Abidin, Head of Universal Services for Barking and Dagenham Council, a dedicated leader in the borough’s mission to support the most vulnerable. Also in attendance were Councillors Maureen Worby, Regina Rahman and Irma Freeborn, along with representatives from local charities and organisations committed to tackling homelessness.

With a borough-wide commitment to compassion-driven public service, the arrival of ShowerBox is part of Barking and Dagenham’s wider effort to ensure that those without a home are not left without hope. The facility will be an essential resource, offering more than just hygiene – it will provide people with a sense of self worth, dignity and the opportunity to take positive steps forward in their lives.

The launch event brought together leading voices in local government and the voluntary sector, all recognising the importance of this new initiative. Speaking at the event, Worby, the borough’s Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health Integration, highlighted why access to hygiene is crucial for those living on the streets: “Homelessness is a reality for too many people in our borough and we know that something as simple as a shower can have a huge impact on someone’s confidence, wellbeing and ability to move forward in life. ShowerBox will provide dignity and respect to our homeless community, and we’re proud to support an initiative that aligns with our values of care and compassion.”

The project is spearheaded by Sarah Lamptey MBE, founder and Chief Executive of ShowerBox, whose passion for supporting rough sleepers has transformed lives. Speaking on the significance of this launch, she said: “This partnership is a milestone for ShowerBox and a wonderful moment for me personally, as since the start of 2018 I've had the dream and focus to support individuals without access to hygiene facilities. A simple way to make a great difference in people's lives, to their physical health, mental wellbeing and sense of dignity."

Mick Mednick of Barking Churches Unite has worked closely with rough sleepers across the borough. He spoke about the long-term benefits of providing free shower facilities: “This is about more than just water and soap. When we show kindness and provide basic needs like this, we remind people that they are valued members of our community. We need to build compassion, not walls, and ShowerBox does just that.”

In the UK, Shelter estimates 354,000 people were experiencing homelessness towards the end of 2024, including rough sleepers, those in temporary accommodation and individuals in precarious living situations. For those living on the streets, hygiene facilities are often inaccessible, leaving them vulnerable to health issues, social stigma and emotional distress.

ShowerBox provides a safe, clean and welcoming environment where people can freshen up – an essential service that many of us take for granted. Beyond physical cleanliness, it offers a sense of self-worth and empowerment to individuals who are often overlooked in society.

One of the most powerful aspects of ShowerBox is its role in helping people prepare for opportunities that could change their lives. Some have used the facilities to freshen up before job interviews, before reconnecting with loved ones, or simply regain the confidence to seek support services. The ability to present oneself with pride can be a critical step towards stability, employment and reintegration into society.

Barking and Dagenham is known for its strong frontline services, with the arrival of ShowerBox in the borough yet another example of how collaborative efforts between local government, charities and community organisations can lead to practical, life changing solutions.
For opening times and location of ShowerBox Barking, see the List of services in the centre of the magazine.

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