Period poverty is becoming a much coined phrase in the media. It refers to when there is a lack of access to sanitary products and menstrual hygiene education, often amongst younger women or children and often because of financial difficulties.
UK Statistics have revealed that one in ten girls have been unable to afford sanitary products which can often result in them missing out on vital education.
Now, as part of the government scheme to help tackle ‘period poverty’ in the UK, schools and colleges now have access to free sanitary products.
The new scheme has effectively made a contract with Personnel Hygiene Services Limited (PHS) so that products can be ordered and delivered when needed.
Who is eligible?
Access to this scheme includes girls, non-binary and transgender students who have periods. All students in schools and 16 to 19 organisations should be able to access period products if they need them. This may include those who have forgotten their products or cannot afford them.
Students under 19 in the current academic year may also receive support from the scheme.
Students aged 19 or over are only eligible for support if they:
- are continuing on a study programme they began aged 16 to 18 (‘19+ continuers’)
- have an education, health and care plan
Details on how to order products and any other information are available here.