Ending period poverty

An article by Action Aid, published on 26 May 2023 outlined how period poverty had risen in the UK over the course of a year.

Their article included the results from an online poll which included the following data:

  • 21% of girls, women and people who menstruate in the UK are now struggling to afford period products – an increase of 12%
  • 41% kept sanitary pads or tampons in for longer and 8% have to re-use disposable pads.
  • 37% said they had used tissues or cotton wool instead of sanitary pads, whilst 13% said they had used socks or other clothing and 9% resorted to using paper or newspaper.
  • 60% of respondents had to prioritise purchasing food, and 48% prioritise purchasing gas/electricity, over purchasing period products.

Given these shocking statistics and following a motion at Full Council in July 2023, The Council has committed £24,000 of funding towards addressing inequality and ending period poverty in Runnymede.

The Council has partnered with Hey Girls and is working with local venues and groups to supply tampons and pads that are free of charge for residents to take when they are in need.

Products can be found in the following locations: 

  • The Hythe Centre, Egham Hythe
  • St Paul’s Church, Egham Hythe
  • The Orbit Leisure Centre, Egham
  • The Forest Estate Community Hub, Englefield Green
  • The Village Centre, Englefield Green
  • The Lit, Egham
  • Chertsey Hall, Chertsey
  • Chertsey Museum, Chertsey
  • Chertsey Health Centre, Chertsey
  • Revive Café, Chertsey
  • Runnymede Foodbank, Chertsey
  • Gogmore Farm Park Youth Centre, Chertsey
  • Addlestone Canoe Club, Addlestone
  • Runnymede Borough Council Civic Offices, Addlestone
  • Crouch Oak Family Practice, Addlestone
  • The Salvation Army, Addlestone
  • Holme Farm, Woodham
  • New Ottershaw Surgery, Ottershaw
  • Packers GP Surgery, Virginia Water

This list will be updated as new venues are supplied with products.

The Council has also supplied products to the Runnymede Foodbank to supply their users with access to free sanitary products at each Foodbank venue. Locations and opening times are available on Runnymede Foodbank website. Products have also been given to Just a Helping Hand who support that supplies homeless people in Runnymede with essentials.

Products are plant-based disposable products. They are made from 100% certified organic cotton, bamboo, and corn starch.

For a list of other locations that sanitary products are available in, please visit the Surrey County Council website. Products are also available in schools and some supermarkets.