Women in West Midlands using newspaper instead of "unaffordable" period products
61% of women in the West Midlands have used an alternative to period products, according to new research
New research reveals period poverty is in crisis across the West Midlands with 39% of people who menstruate unable to afford period products, figures reveal.
61% of women say they find themselves without access and are forced to use a substitute item, such as toilet paper, kitchen roll, or in some cases, old underwear or newspaper.
Bloody Good Period is a leading charity fighting for menstrual equity, providing period products to people who need them most, delivering menstrual health education, and advocating for policy changes for menstrual equity.
CEO of Bloody Good Period, Rachel Grocott, says: “Period poverty is one of the most overlooked crises in the UK today because of that persistent shame and stigma. It goes far beyond the inability to afford products—it’s about the dignity, health, and wellbeing of millions of people.
"Substitutes - not that they really are - have huge consequences on physical and mental health. If you're using an alternative like a sock or toilet paper, that can cause rashes or infections. Additionally are you going to feel confident leaving the house? Or go to school or work?" says Grocott.
Across the UK, 30% are being faced with the decision of whether to buy period products or choose other essential items, such as food or clothing, for themselves and their family.
The research reveals that period products are being ‘shelved’ in supermarkets across the country, left behind by those struggling to afford them in favour of milk, fresh fruit and vegetables, and bread.
Others who prioritise buying tampons or pads find themselves sacrificing basics like household cleaning supplies and food staples to afford them.
"We see first-hand how these choices between food and period products, or between shame and asking for help are devastating lives" says Grocott.
"For so long, we've been taught periods shouldn't be talked about, or hide with those rustle-free wrappers, yet this is a completely normal bodily function.
"Periods are responsible for life on the planet. It's so unfair that women are penalised for having a human body."
Bloody Good Period have distributed over half a million period products since they set up in 2017.
They are partnering with the supermarket chain, Aldi, to call for free access to period products in public bathrooms.
With period products not freely available in public toilets across England and Wales, those who are struggling rely on friends and family (50%), their workplace (19%) and other public services such as sexual health clinics (13%), according to 2024 research by focaldata and ONS statistics.
"We've already seen a shift away from products being called 'sanitary' or 'hygienic' which is a great change but there's still so much more to do" says Grocott.
"For endometriosis, the diagnosis time is 9 years. That is shocking, and has got worse recently. That is at least in part by shame and stigma" she continues.
"Period products are a basic human need. We don't want to have to exist. We need proper government provision: funding for period products, and menstrual health education."
As of 18th March 2025, 70% of Aldi’s in-store toilets will have free period products, with the complete rollout to be completed by 5th May 2025.
The supermarket is also donating 1 million period products to Bloody Good Period.
For any customers that would like to add to the existing donation or find out more about the initiative, visit the Aldi website:www.aldi.co.uk/period-poverty
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