9/12/2020

A scheme to provide free period products to school pupils throughout the Christmas break, will be rolled out this week.

Funded by Welsh Government, the initiative will see almost 15,000 packs of eco-friendly period products delivered to secondary schools, allowing those pupils who need them, access to free period products during the school holidays.

In addition, a further 12,000 packs will be provided to primary and special schools when pupils return after the Christmas break.

Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Since the launch of Cardiff's commitment to promote period dignity in March 2019, a series of schemes have been delivered to address period poverty in our communities and help to tackle stigma.

"Ensuring that pupils can still access the products they need whilst schools are closed is essential in making sure they do notfeel shame in relation to their periods, and this latest initiative helps to address this in addition to affordability."

Earlier this year, the Council provided financial support to all those pupils who needed access to period provision and who are eligible for Free School Meals, so that they could purchase hygiene products whilst schools were closed due to COVID-19.

Cllr Merry added: "Three years ago we carried out a period dignity survey in secondary schools to gain views about the issue of period dignity and to consult on how pupils would like to access free period products.

"This enabled us to ensure that the views of young people were heard and acted upon and has helped to remove barriers in education. During these exceptional times it is vital that pupils can continue to access the hygiene provision they need."

The holiday packs include eco-friendly and sustainable period products supplied by social enterprise Hey Girls and supplier TOTM. They will be initially be available to secondary pupils and will be rolled out to special and primary pupils in Years 5 and above in the New Year.

Celia Hodson, Hey Girls Founder & CEO said: "Hey Girls is delighted to be working with Cardiff City Council to ensure pupils have access to period products over the school holidays.  

Providing packs of high quality and eco-friendly period products to take home helps to remove stigma and barriers to access for pupils who may struggle and promotes period equality.  

By introducing more eco-friendly options to manage periods Cardiff are also reducing their carbon footprint and highlighting sustainable period protection."