Ending schools’ free period product scheme will hurt girls from the poorest families

Free pads, tampons and other period products have been stocked in schools across England since 2020, with the Department for Education covering the costs.

Since then, they’ve been available in every primary school and 99% of secondary schools, thanks to pressure from multiple campaign groups fighting to make period products accessible to those in need.

Despite continuing demand, schools can only order products until July 2024.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, we’re concerned this could have devastating effects for young people affected by period poverty.

What is period poverty?

Period poverty means being unable to afford sanitary products and/or having a lack of knowledge about menstruation as the result of being disadvantaged financially.

Nearly half of girls (49%) have missed school because of their period, according to Bodyform, with as many as 137,700 skipping classes in the space of one year.

Missing school not only affects girls’ education but also means they miss exercise (PE lessons) and the opportunity to socialise – things that can have a knock-on effect on their mental health.

And those affected by period poverty are resorting to desperate measures, some of which are putting their health at risk.

Almost half (41%) said they use their products for longer than recommended while others (8%) re-use disposable pads.

Many also revealed they used materials such as tissue or cotton wool (37%), socks or other clothing (13%) or paper and newspaper (9%) instead.

We don't think girls should be prevented from achieving their full potential because they can’t afford period products. This is why we’re calling on the government to extend the free period product scheme in schools.

A growing problem

With living costs having rocketed over recent years, more families across the UK are facing extreme financial hardship. As a result, there are those having to choose between buying sanitary products or paying for other essentials like food and electricity.

Bodyform says one in 10 young women aged 14-21 simply can’t afford to buy sanitary products and one in seven struggle to find the money.

Similarly, figures from ActionAid show one in five women of all ages (21%) found it difficult to stretch their budget to include period products in 2023 – up from 12% the previous year.

A quarter of respondents (24%) told ActionAid they’d gone without tampons and sanitary towels so they could afford to buy them for someone else in their household and 28% said they relied on free period products available at school or work.

Where to get free pads and other products

If you’re struggling to afford sanitary products, there are a number of places you might be able to get them free.

If you work, it’s worth checking with your employer as some provide free pads and tampons. If you’re in hospital, you can also ask for free period products.

Lots of foodbanks provide toiletries, including period products. The Trussell Trust and the Independent Food Aid Network have interactive maps where you can find your nearest foodbank.

You can also get free tampons, pads and other period products from charities across the UK as well as from drop-in centres, refuges and homeless shelters.

Lots of community groups and charities provide free products to those in need through community partners like Bloody Good Period, Period Poverty, hey girls… and freedom4girls.

Sexual health clinics and community contraceptive clinics often provide free period products, and council buildings in your area will also have information about where to find free pads or tampons.