The Welsh Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt MS has today visited Blaenau Gwent to see the pioneering work in period equity and dignity which is being delivered across the county borough.
Blaenau Gwent Council is working with schools and a range of local partners to ensure that no female, whatever their age, is disadvantaged by not having access to period products and has made sure these are now readily and freely available in over 100 education and community settings.
We are also trialling reusable products in a bid to help tackle the climate crisis and are seeing an increasing demand for these types of environmentally friendly solutions.
Jane Hutt MS visited Ebenezer Chapel in Abertillery town which helps to distribute the products through its well-used foodbank and met with residents and school pupils who have benefitted from the scheme.
The Minister also met with the organisations involved with the organisation of the project including council officers; Blaenau Gwent Family Information Service; Aneurin Leisure Trust; Aneurin Bevan Health Board; phs Group; Abertillery & Blaina Rotary Club; the Love Your Period Campaign and the Welsh Rugby Union.
All venues where products are available have posters and information detailing how the products can be accessed. Venues include schools, sports centres, community centres, playgroups and health settings.
Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip Jane Hutt said:
“We are committed to ending period poverty and ensuring everyone struggling to access period products is given the support they need. It has been hugely positive to see how period products, especially those that are environmentally friendly, have been made available in a wide range of settings in Blaenau Gwent.
“This work can be seen as a blueprint of how we can tackle period equity and dignity across Wales. As well as improving access to period products, it has been heartening to hear about efforts to remove the stigma of talking about periods and ensure people are more informed about women’s health.”
The Council’s Cabinet Member for People & Education, Cllr Sue Edmunds says:
“We’re immensely proud of the work going on here in Blaenau Gwent to tackle period poverty and promote period dignity, so it was wonderful to have Jane Hutt MS visit today to find out more about our approach to this important issue. We have a very enthusiastic project team with a range of partners who are all fully committed to making sure that no female should be at a disadvantage when it comes to their period. Easy access to free products has never been more important than during the current Cost of Living crisis where many families’ spending priorities have changed dramatically, and they may have to go without otherwise.
“Not only are we committed to making sure products are available, but we are also working with all our partners to break down the stigma around periods. Periods are normal and we want people not to be embarrassed to request products. We have many exciting plans for this agenda going forward, including the distribution and promotion of more environmentally friendly products, and encouraging women and girls to be proud of their periods!”
The Council is currently conducting a survey with those accessing the scheme to find out how the scheme could be improved or what people would like to see more of.
