Document Period Poverty Update

The Committee received for information an update on the Period Poverty project; introduced following approval of a budget of £24,000 for 3 years in September 2023 to work with local organisations to provide access to free sustainable and where possible biodegradable sanitary products.

Members were pleased that a total of 37 venues across the borough were engaged with the project using the organisation Hey Girls as approved by the Committee in March 2024.  In addition, the service had been extended to an additional participant, Just a Helping Hand, and was publicised through the Council’s Homelessness Prevention Team.  Officers reported that to date approximately 6,500 sanitary pads and 5,000 tampons had been distributed with plans to enter into talks with other local sports clubs to provide products in their changing rooms.

Of the original budget, £16,523.41 remained, which Officers were confident would last for the remainder of the project, with an option to request a carry over of any residual funds beyond the three years if necessary, and in line with financial standing orders.

The Committee thanked Councillors and Officers involved with the product which it was agreed was both worth while and value for money.

The report was duly noted.