Period product ‘pick and mix’ set up at a Pembrokeshire school

Since 2019 all local authorities in Wales have been issued an allocation of the Period Dignity Grant.

Pembrokeshire Council say the grant spend in the county is not only being spent on sanitary products, but also on empowering young people to make informed decisions as to what best suits their needs and bodies.

It says that one of the ways in which this is being achieved is via the ‘Period Product pick & mix’ project, a new opportunity to try a range of sanitary products for free.

Two pick & mix stands have been set up in Pembrokeshire, one at Greenhill School and one at Milford Youth Matters pop-up shop, offering a variety of free sanitary products, from single use pads and tampons to reusable options.

The idea is to ensure any financial burden or knowledge barrier is removed from trialling different options, meaning nobody is prevented from accessing choice because of poverty or lack of information.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, said: “It’s not just about products, it’s also a platform to share information and guidance of the various products on the market.

“Young people can only make educated decisions if they are equipped with information and resources, so we very much hope that this fun and interactive project will positively impact their menstruation journey.”

Gemma Baker, Policy & Performance Officer for Education and Children’s Services, who has been leading the project, said: “In life there are plenty of things to worry about, but periods shouldn’t be one of them.

“We will continue to work with partners to provide free period products in the most dignified way possible to those in need, and strive to #end period poverty.”

Lead image: Pictured at Milford Youth Matters ‘pop-up shop’ with the pick & mix stand are Dayle Gibby and Roisin Hurley, with a Milford Youth Matters ambassador. (Image: Pembrokeshire Council)