We are calling on the Government to fund free period products in all public buildings across the UK, so that no one has to go without essential menstrual products because they cannot afford them.

In the UK, 1 in 5 people who menstruate (over 2 million people) cannot afford period products when on their period (also called period poverty.)

Those who are affected by period poverty, 41% kept sanitary pads or tampons in for longer, and 8% re-used disposable pads, which can be a dangerous method of period management which can cause infection, rash or toxic shock. Furthermore, 37% said they had used tissues or cotton wool instead of sanitary products in the last 12 months. 13% used socks or other clothing, and 9% resorted to using paper or newspaper.

Period products are not a luxury. They are an essential necessity. Providing free products in public buildings such as schools, health centres, universities, libraries, leisure centres, hospitals and council buildings would help ensure that everyone can manage their periods safely and with dignity.

Scotland has already shown that change is possible. Since 2022, Scotland has provided free period products through public bodies, making it the first country in the world to introduce legislation requiring local authorities and education providers to make period products available for free to anyone who needs them.

If Scotland can do it, the rest of the UK can too. We urge the Government to fund free period products in all public buildings, helping to end period poverty and ensuring that no one has to choose between buying period products and paying for other essentials.