£12,000 invested to help tackle period poverty in South Cambridgeshire
Around 700 residents are expected to benefit
A £12,000 innovative scheme to support the fight against period poverty has been launched in South Cambridgeshire.
The Council predict up to 700 residents will benefit from the scheme, which entails three environmentally-friendly menstrual product kits.
Residents will be offered a choice of one of three period product packs - either washable pads, period pants or reusable period cups.
Hey Girls UK will be distributing the packs, which can be applied for online.
Cllr Heather Williams, Leader of the Opposition at the District Council, said: “Often it is the small changes that can have the biggest impact in an individual’s life. Helping to address period poverty has the potential to support some of the most vulnerable in our society – and show them they have not been forgotten, they are cared for, and we will help them. My experience of local government is often that there is a lot of will to create positive change, just not necessarily the awareness of issues like period poverty. The fact that this received unanimous support shows how much this issue goes beyond party politics.”
Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Women and girls deserve access to essential period health products without the worry of cost. By offering sustainable alternatives, we’re also helping to reduce the waste associated with single-use period products. This is a great initiative which represents a step towards greater health equity and also environmental responsibility."
More than 80 other local councils have signed up to Hey Girls UK.