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UK Schools Can Now Supply Free Period Products To Students

UK Schools Can Now Supply Free Period Products To Students

Starting from today, all state-funded schools and colleges will have access to free tampons, pads and menstrual cups.

Lucy Devine

Lucy Devine

Schools around the UK will now be able to order free sanitary products for students.

The new scheme will allow schools to order tampons, pads and menstrual cups in a bid to stop girls from missing class if they're unable to buy the products themselves.

Staff at primary and secondary schools as well as colleges will be able to choose from different products by supplier phs Group, including sanitary pads, tampons with and without applicators and moon cups - many of which are environmentally friendly.

The new scheme - which is fully funded by the Department for Education - starts today, with products available to order via an online system, over email or by phone.

Products can be ordered online, via email or on the phone (
Flickr)

The breakthrough follows an announcement last year in which the government pledged to pay for sanitary products in state-funded primary and secondary schools as well as colleges across the UK, in a bid to tackle period poverty.

Michelle Donelan, children and families minister, said: "Periods are a normal part of everyday life and we do not want young people missing out on lessons because of them.

They'll be available for primary and secondary schools as well as colleges (
PA)

"We know that it is not easy for everyone to access period products where and when they need them.

"This scheme will deal with those problems so young people can go about their daily lives without getting caught out if they have come on their period unexpectedly, forgotten to bring products with them or if they can't afford the products they need."

The news is a huge triumph for Amika George, founder of Free Periods, who has been campaigning for over two years to end period poverty in the UK.

The 19-year-old was even listed by TIME magazine as one of the 25 most influential teenagers in the world.

"We have been waiting for this day for a long time!" She said.

"As a grassroots, student-led movement, Free Periods has been fighting for every single child in this country to be able to go to school without worrying about their next pad or tampon. For the first time in history, this scheme will ensure that becomes a reality.

"We ask that schools have open conversations with students about what they need and start signing up to the scheme - no child must miss out.

Amika George has been campaigning to end period poverty in the UK (
PA)

"Free products in schools will ensure that every child can learn and be their very best, without periods holding them back."

With 42 per cent of 14-21-year-olds in the UK revealing they have had to use 'makeshift' sanitary wear, including socks or paper, due to period poverty, this is certainly news to be celebrated.

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

Topics: Life News, News, Health