Local people can play their part tackling period poverty

A SCHEME started to ensure that no schoolgirl has to miss classes because of her period has expanded into North Solihull.
Sarah Kavanagh is the volunteer coordinator for the local branch of the Red Box Project – which was set up amid mounting concerns about period poverty.
The initiative provides boxes, stocked with sanitary products, to local schools, to help address “the real need” many families experience.
According to up-to-date research from the children’s charity Plan International UK, one in 10 young women (aged 14- 21) have not been able to pay for products such as tampons.
“If you look at the results from the surveys done it’s not just a local issue but a country[wide] issue that needs to be addressed,” said Sarah.
“The reason I got involved was because I could not believe that in the 21st century we have young girls who are missing school because they cannot afford sanitary products.
“The shame and embarrassment these girls go through and for something they have no control or choice over, is not right. I could not sit back and not help.”
The project only started in March 2017, but in the 18 months since it has expanded from just a handful of boxes in Portsmouth to a vast network.
There are now more than 900 boxes up and down the country and the idea has gone international - with two in America!
Sarah is now looking to set up public donation points to cover the north of the borough and has asked for any venue which would be willing to host one to come forward. If you can help, email this address.