Period poverty pilot starts in Lisburn and Castlereagh

June 6, 2022

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has started a six month pilot scheme to help address period poverty locally.  It will be providing free sanitary products in eight of its community and activity centres which are located in the heart of our communities.

Councillor Hazel Legge requested the council help raise awareness of the conversations surrounding period poverty and identify how it could help address the issue.  This pilot was progressed through the Communities team.

Councillor Sharon Skillen, Leisure & Community Development Chair, commenting on the pilot said: “I am delighted the team has been able to progress this pilot to support those who cannot afford the proper sanitary products in an anonymous and inconspicuous way. As living costs continue to increase it is imperative support can be offered where possible.  The provision of free sanitary products at key activity l and community facilities across the council area is a good starting point.  I would like to thank Mount Charles for working in partnership with us to convert existing vending machines to free to use vending machines.”

The council’s pilot scheme complements similar initiatives in primary, post-primary and third level education premises. 

Councillor Hazel Legge, added: “The circumstances around young people and sanitary products are stark.  40% of girls in the UK have to use toilet rolls as they can’t afford the proper products and 48% believe their health was impacted as they have been overusing a sanitary product due to affordability.  I am proud our council has undertaken a pilot to help those females who need support to access sanitary products. 

“As an elected member I am confident the provision of free sanitary products will benefit those in need.  It is important as one of the area’s largest employers that we reduce the stigma around period poverty and hygiene.”

The council will use its networking capabilities and influence to lobby the Assembly on behalf of food banks, churches, charities and other related groups to introduce a national programme to combat period poverty.