Research conducted by Plan International states that one in ten girls miss out on education due to their periods.
The Red Box Project aims to break down the stigma and taboo against period poverty and it is one of many which have been set up around the UK.
Alice Coren, Reuse and Recycle Coordinator for The Brick said: “No young person should miss out on education because of their periods, they’re a natural part of us and not something that should affect your education, and that’s what the Red Box Project can help with.
“The Period Poverty initiative was a natural extension to the existing work we do within The Brick’s food bank, as the parcels we provide already include sanitary products as well as food.
“We try and accommodate our client’s needs and circumstances whatever they may be, and sanitary products are an everyday necessity that not all families can afford.
“There are a variety of projects combatting period poverty that exist around the country; it is not a new idea but something that already has grass roots, we are just working with it in Wigan. We want to make sure anyone can have access to decent sanitary products, so they can get on with their lives with dignity.”
Cloud Perspective were looking for a charity to adopt and support when Martyn Leman, co-founder of the company, came across the issue of period poverty.
Mr Leman said: “Although we have done various things for charities, I couldn’t believe that this was an actual issue in Wigan.
“I could not imagine the embarrassment and the shame someone must have felt if they couldn’t afford pads or tampons, so we went ahead with it”.
Cloud Perspective have given seed funding for The Brick to start to combat period poverty, through coordinating the Red Box Project targeting schools, as well as placing sanitary supplies in community centres throughout the borough.
Along with the support of Cloud Perspective, The Brick also receive donations of sanitary products through donation points at supermarkets.
Red Boxes contain sanitary products including the following; pads of mix of flows, light medium and heavy towels, tampons, panty liners, clean under wear in different sizes, paper bags for disposal and leaflets.
Any school and or community centre in the Wigan region who have not received an email about the period poverty project or feel that they will benefit from working with us should contact Alice at The Brick – alice@thebrick.org.uk
