Campaigners are close to making every school in Salford period friendly to save girls missing out.
Salford Citizen’s Advice and Salford City Council are working together to get Red Boxes in every school to provide free sanitary products.
The Red Box scheme was launched last year as a national campaign to provide discreet help. Under the scheme any young woman can just ask school staff for the red box and take any items needed. Boxes are kept topped up by community donations.
Elaine Kenny, from Salford CAB, said Salford’s response to the project was really heartwarming.
“The Red Box project was started by three women in Portsmouth who were angry that young women were missing out on education and activities because of period poverty,” said Elaine.
“They came up with the idea of having a box of essential items in every school – it’s simple, practical and discrete.
“Salford Citizen’s Advice has supported Salford City Council’s work to raise awareness of period poverty and helped secure a huge donation from Aldi last year. We thought the Red Box project was a great addition to that work and we’ve been delighted that local schools have responded so positively.”
Deputy City Mayor Councillor Paula Boshell said: “A national survey last year estimated over 137,000 girls missed school because their families couldn’t afford period products. That’s a disgrace in the 21st century.
“We don’t want any young women to miss opportunities or feel embarrassed about periods which is why we’ve encouraged schools to support the Red Box project. It’s one more way of helping local people to make their money go further.”