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Period progress

June 01 2026

Fighting to defeat the stigma attached to period poverty, by Sophie Dianne 

Period poverty is a global issue, whereby people are unable to access menstrual products. The ability to manage periods is made difficult by financial constraints, lack of education or poor sanitation infrastructure.

An estimated 2.8 million people are affected by period poverty in the UK, forcing them to use unsafe alternatives, with the embarrassment causing many to miss school or work.

The true cost of menstruation goes beyond the price of a single pack of pads, especially if you are struggling with gynaecological disorders. The average lifetime spend on period products is £4,800, but this doesn’t account for the additional cost of painkillers, hygiene care or trips to medical services. For those struggling, free period products are available at many food banks and homeless services across the UK, although demand has seen access points differ in supply.

Having your period each month can be incredibly difficult, but for people sleeping rough it is particularly hard. Some have turned to using sponges, old clothes, tissues and used menstrual products on occasion.

A 2024 study by the University of Southampton looked at the experiences of homeless women during their periods, finding they were routinely refused entry to both public and customer bathrooms. Meanwhile, others are using cheap herbal remedies to alleviate subsequent infections, brought on by substitute items. As someone from the city, I was disgusted to learn this.

Charities and council services can provide help to vulnerable women, but stocks are often low, with some organisations rationing their free products.

There is good news, however, as the UK government has established plans and statutory schemes to provide free period products, primarily targeting schools, colleges and local communities, in order to combat period poverty and provide dignity.

Although it is slow, progress is being made to eradicate period poverty.

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