Sanitary protection when money is tight

I was one of 6 daughters so sanitary protection added a big monthly bill to our household budget I can tell you . I was recently in a lovely cafe and in the ladies there was a large basket containing pads , tampons and wipes in each cubicle . I no longer have a need but I thought that was a fantastic touch . Hope it doesn't get abused .
I definitely think there's a need for making these items freely available. Girls are starting menstruation earlier these days and not all come from stable homes

There was something in our local press about donating vouchers that often come through the post for sanitary products to woman's refuges or food banks rather than just throwing them away. That's a sensible idea I wouldn't have thought of.

Our library, church community halls and some cafes have free sanitary products in their toilet areas. Perhaps much has improved since this Zombie Thread was started.

Have any of you tackled this issue or have any ideas?

In England. free supplies of sanitary products are available to all school age females.
In Scotland, they are available to all women, free.

Perhaps you should make notices to display your foodbank, informing its customers and staff how to obtain them.

Be aware butterandjam, that most of these posts are from before the Covid era.

www.allyoursbox.co.uk/our-story

Pensionpat you might be interested in, and amazed by this amazing charity started by a mother and her daughter.
Supported by The Trussell Trust with donations.

Just noticed after posting that this thread is over 8 YEARS OLD.

Maremia

Be aware butterandjam, that most of these posts are from before the Covid era.

Luckily the information in my post is bang up to date.

butterandjam

*Have any of you tackled this issue or have any ideas?*

In England. free supplies of sanitary products are available to all school age females.
In Scotland, they are available to all women, free.

Perhaps you should make notices to display your foodbank, informing its customers and staff how to obtain them.

What about the rest of the country? You mention England and Scotland....but, for instance, I see no mention of Wales. Does this not happen in Wales too?

I was certainly sympathising along with the comments here all round - all the more so as someone who had major problems with periods that were too long and too heavy from around my mid-30's until menopause!!!

What about the rest of the country? You mention England and Scotland....but, for instance, I see no mention of Wales. Does this not happen in Wales too?
You tell us. You live there.

A bit 'off post' but relevant. Why do so many Zombie Threads come back to life?

The Hygiene Bank, thehygienebank.com/ collects and distributes all types of hygiene products in partnership with local organisations which include women’s centres, local authority run Family Hubs, nurseries and schools.

The Scottish Parliament passed legislation in 2022, requiring local authorities to make free period products available in public buildings and schools/colleges run by local authorities

www.mygov.scot/free-period-products

You did well Ninny but disability, mental illness, including addiction, and poor housing mean that some families don’t cope and their members suffer.

Oops, rushed in without realising this is an old thread 🫤

RosieandherMaw

^What about the rest of the country? You mention England and Scotland....but, for instance, I see no mention of Wales. Does this not happen in Wales too?^
You tell us. You live there.

Free period products are now available in more public spaces across Wales, thanks to the Welsh Government’s £3.2 million Period Dignity fund.

This funding has transformed access to essential period products, now freely available not just in every school and college in Wales, but across hundreds of venues from libraries and leisure centres to food banks, sports clubs and youth hubs.

With aims to completely eradicate period poverty by 2027, the Welsh Government is determined that no one should miss education, work or social activities simply because they cannot afford or access period products.

Collection points are also in local chemists.

Should add:
First published:
28 May 2025
Last updated:
28 May 2025

Litterpicker

Oops, rushed in without realising this is an old thread 🫤

But well worth reviving.

This thread is from 2017 . There is help for girls and woman to get free sanitary products now .

I grew up using loo roll.between two pairs of knickers. Wouldnt wish that on any girl. Freebies in the school loos would have been ideal.

I would happily donate if I knew where I could.

Allsorts you can drop them into food bank collection bins in supermarkets, or directly to charities such as All Yours by various methods.

www.allyoursbox.co.uk/donate

Sorry to say it, but knowing human nature, there are bound to be some mothers who think, 'Why should I bother to buy something when there are others giving it away?'
These days there are 'period knickers', which sounds disgusting but in the past women used to sew pads made of rags, which then had to be washed. Same with nappies. Cloth nappies are a better option than disposables, which were originally intended for occasional use anyway.

Maremia

A bit 'off post' but relevant. Why do so many Zombie Threads come back to life?

Because posters don’t notice the date on them.😁

Oreo

Maremia

A bit 'off post' but relevant. Why do so many Zombie Threads come back to life?

Because posters don’t notice the date on them.😁

Until after they've posted! 😁

Thanks Oreo, I do that too. But I wondered how they 'rise' from the Forum 'graveyard'?

ninny

Gracesgran, Katek in her post said that you can get 24 Tampax for £1, I am sure even the most chaotic and poorest of our society can pay that for their daughters to have sanitary protection so they can attend school if they won't then they are unfit to be parents. Perhaps I am not as gullible and naive as you seem to be.

If parents can’t afford sanitary protection, they are unfit to be parents??? I have heard it all now!
What planet are you on? You show absolutely no empathy for anyone and just want to criticise and belittle parents who, in the main, are doing their best.
I don’t think you’d be missed if you took your nasty and unhelpful comments elsewhere!