Free Period Subscriptions for Young People with Bridgend County Borough Council

July 21, 2023

By Period Dignity Team

Bridgend County Borough Council, in collaboration with Grace & Green, have launched a trailblazing period dignity initiative to provide free period subscriptions to young people in the Bridgend area who need them. The program aims to address the issue of period poverty, ensuring that individuals facing financial hardships have access to essential menstrual products, and removing any barriers to accessing education.

Amid the cost of living crisis, soaring inflation and rocketing energy bills mean many have been forced to prioritise other household essentials over buying products like pads and tampons. For young people, the lack of access to products disrupts education and school attendance. Research shows 15% of females in Wales aged 14 to 21 have been unable to afford period products at some point (gov.wales).

This free period product subscription service means products are posted directly to people’s home or a collection point, ensuring individuals can manage their periods with dignity and confidence. People can also access free Grace & Green products in public spaces through new “pick and mix” stands. The scheme saw over 300 sign ups in the first three days, showing how in demand this service is.

Grace & Green was selected as a supplier by the Bridgend Youth Council, a council member said “Grace & Green is a great service that is delivered discreetly to the house. I love the fact that the products are biodegradable, all the packaging is recyclable and that the products are soft and gentle. It is so important that girls of my age are not held back by period poverty.”

The scheme goes beyond just improving period dignity by also tackling plastic pollution from menstrual products. All period products provided through the subscription program will be made from organic and biodegradable materials. This focus on sustainability aligns with Grace & Green’s mission and Welsh Government’s aim to increase the number of plastic free products funded through the period dignity grant to at least 90% by 2026.

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