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.

A list of venues will be available here once the products have been distributed.

The Council is also working with the Foodbank to supply their users with access to free sanitary products.

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.