Councillor Donnelly-Jackson: “This initiative is not just about products; it’s about dignity, education, and equality. Together, we can ensure no one in Brent has to face the challenges of period poverty alone.”
In a significant step towards combating period poverty, Brent Council has expanded its free period product initiative, making eco-friendly menstrual supplies available at 16 sites across the borough.
This initiative, launched in partnership with Hey Girls, aims to ensure equitable access to period products, especially for residents facing financial hardships due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The products are available at Family Wellbeing Centres, libraries, and Brent Hubs, offering both disposable and reusable options to suit diverse needs.
Brent Council made history in 2021 by becoming the first London borough to install vending machines dispensing free period products in public buildings. This latest expansion builds on that foundation, reaching more residents and ensuring no one has to choose between essential menstrual products and other basic needs.
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Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Resident Support and Culture, emphasized the importance of the scheme: “The cost-of-living crisis has pushed many families to the brink, leaving them struggling to make ends meet. Some are forced to prioritise other essentials over menstrual supplies, leading to disruptions in education and daily life. No one should have to choose between basic necessities and period products. We are committed to providing women and girls with the products they need to support their well-being and confidence.”
The free products, including sustainably sourced disposable pads and tampons as well as reusable menstrual cups, are now available at:
• Eight Family Wellbeing Centres
• Six Libraries
• Brent Hub: The Living Room
• Brent Hub: Kilburn
The council’s partnership with Hey Girls, a social enterprise focused on tackling period poverty, ensures that the products provided are not only free but also eco-friendly and responsibly sourced.
A representative from Hey Girls praised Brent Council’s dedication to the cause: “Hey Girls are pleased and proud to be working with Brent Council on their Period Dignity initiative. Our organic and responsibly sourced period products, coupled with educational resources, aim to remove shame and stigma surrounding periods and bring awareness to menstrual health across the borough.”
Hey Girls has also trained council staff and provided free online educational tools, further embedding menstrual health awareness into the community.
The Period Dignity Brent campaign reflects the council’s broader commitment to tackling health inequalities and supporting community well-being. By ensuring that menstrual products are freely available, the council hopes to alleviate barriers that disproportionately impact women and girls, such as disruptions to education and employment.
In addition to free menstrual products, the participating locations offer a wide range of support services, including advice on housing, benefits, health, and welfare. This integrated approach ensures that residents can access multiple forms of assistance in one place.
Brent’s initiative is part of a wider movement to address period poverty and promote menstrual health. By making period products accessible and breaking the stigmas surrounding menstruation, the council hopes to set a positive example for other boroughs to follow.
The scheme underscores Brent Council’s commitment to creating an inclusive community where no one is left behind. For more information about the initiative and resources available, residents can visit participating sites or contact their local Family Wellbeing Centre.
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