Free reusable period products giveaway has been a success
Inverclyde Council has had a partnership with social enterprise Hey Girls for several years and offered reusable period pants and menstrual cups free to order online.
In March, staff decided to broaden the partnership and offer free reusable products at five local venues: Boglestone Activity Centre, Port Glasgow Health Centre and Greenock Central, South West and Gourock libraries.
And it has been a resounding success with a total of 1,278 reusable pants handed out since March.
Vice-convener of the education and communities committee, Councillor Natasha McGuire said: “I am delighted so many women across Inverclyde have tried reusable period products since this new initiative began in March.
“The products were freely available by ordering online but this makes them much more accessible and visible. The fact so many women and girls have tried them shows it’s working.
“Offering reusable products helps to reduce waste, lowers the environmental impact and promotes sustainable choice.”
Inverclyde Council’s women’s champion Councillor Lynne Quinn said: “Period poverty is something which affects too many women and girls in Inverclyde.
“No one should have to curb their lifestyle because of their period.
“I am proud of this partnership we have and that it is making a difference to women and girls across Inverclyde.”
As well as the reusable products, single use products of pads and tampons are available in over 130 venues across Inverclyde including community centres, libraries, pharmacies, leisure centres, third-sector organisations and GP surgeries as well as all high schools and primary schools.
All high schools across Inverclyde have period ambassador groups who are doing important work in their own school communities raising awareness of menstrual health.
To find out more about the work being done across Inverclyde, click on the link above.