At Free Periods we are fighting for an end to period poverty

Free Periods is a not-for-profit campaign group started by Amika George. We want to live in a world where no young person has to miss school because they have their period, and our mission at Free Periods is to make that a reality. 

It’s simple. No one should miss out on an education because they don’t have access to pads or tampons. But period poverty is widespread across the globe, and we need governments and policy makers to take action to ensure that all children can go to school and learn, regardless of their sex. This is about equality. Equal access to education and opportunities for all. 

At Free Periods, we have helped to make this a reality in England. In 2019, the government at last committed to funding period products in every single school and college in England. The scheme began in 2020, but we have so much more work to do! 

FP is working to end the shame and taboo bound up in periods. Why are we so embarrassed about something that’s so normal and natural? Why don’t we just say the word ‘period’ instead of creating weird euphemisms (Aunty Flo, the Blob?). Why do we shrivel up in disgust and awkwardness when someone mentions their period? Periods get a bad press. We need to change this by having open and honest conversations about menstruation with people who have a period and those that don’t.

Free Periods at your school or college

EVERY state school and college in England is able to order period products for their students, funded by the UK government. 

So how come only 40% of colleges, primary and secondary schools have signed up to the scheme since its launch in January? 

Use this template letter to get in touch with your local school or college, and let them know about the scheme.

Post these graphics on social media, to spread the word about the scheme.

Guidance on the scheme and how to place orders is available here.