£1 million to tackle period poverty in communities and schools across Wales

Wales
Cardiff
North Wales
South Wales
Friday 23 March 2018 at 7:00am

£1 million from the Welsh Government will be used to help with period poverty in communities and schools across Wales.

The Welsh Government announced the funding today to ensure that all girls and young women have access to good sanitary facilities when they need them.

It says local authorities will receive £440,000 over the next two years to tackle period poverty in their communities where levels of deprivation are highest and £700,000 of capital funding to improve facilities and equipment in schools.

Credit: ITV News

Local councils are best placed to know where to target effective action for tackling period poverty in their communities, which is why we are asking them to use this funding to distribute feminine hygiene products to those who need them most. This could be through community groups, schools or food banks. We have heard reports that mothers are going without so that their daughters can have access to sanitary products which is absolutely unacceptable in our society. This funding will help to address that very real need. Funding will also be used to improve toilet facilities in our schools. We know from research that many girls are starting their periods at a younger age and, while secondary schools often have the facilities they need in place, they can be lacking in primary schools. I want to ensure all girls and young women studying at schools in Wales have access to appropriate facilities which give them the dignity they deserve.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Kirsty Williams AM said: "The physical, emotional and mental health of our pupils is paramount. This funding will help ensure that these facilities in our schools meet the needs of young women and girls.

"We want all our young people to reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom and this funding will help to ensure they feel properly supported."