Council grants helps organisations fight period poverty

Charities and organisations working to combat period poverty in Swansea can now apply for council funding.

Swansea Council has secured backing from the Welsh Government to help residents who need support to access period products.

Last year 18 organisations in Swansea were awarded more than £16,000 between them and they used these grants to support more than 4,000 women and girls.

These included foodbanks, the Salvation Army, Swansea YMCA, Swansea Young Carers, Swansea Women’s Aid, the African Community Centre and STOPP (Swansea Takes On Period Poverty).

More than 80% of the funding was used on plastic free or reusable eco-friendly products.

Swansea schools are also supported to provide eco-friendly period products for all learners who need them throughout the year.

Cabinet Member for Supporting Communities, Louise Gibbard, said: “Once again we are extremely grateful to our colleagues in Welsh Government for their support and I would urge charitable or voluntary organisations and groups who work in this field to apply for this funding.

“There is no doubt that due to the pandemic the number of people seeking support has risen and working with our amazing partners Swansea Council will do all it can to help. Period products are also freely available to pick up at many council services like our libraries, community centres and cultural venues.

“At a time when so many are struggling, free access to menstrual products means there can be one less thing for them to worry about.”

Grants of up to £600.00 are available to enable organisations to purchase and provide period products (tampons, pads or sustainable alternatives) to those from low income households who cannot afford them.

The closing date for applications is Friday August 13.

To secure an application form or discuss an application contact TacklingPoverty@swansea.gov.uk.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)