Stopping the flow of period poverty
Thousands of girls and women in the UK face Period Poverty – they simply can’t afford period products. Many are women and teenagers from low income families, as well as homeless women and refugees. With the average lifetime cost of having a period estimated at £4,800 and the monthly cost set at around £10 - £11, it’s no wonder women are struggling to make budgeting decisions for themselves and their families. And for mums with daughters in the same household, the cost is raised even further.
A survey by charity Plan International UK (which took responses from 1,000 girls in the UK about the issue), showed that:
1 in 10 girls in the UK aged 14-21 have been unable to afford period products
1 in 7 girls in the UK have struggled to afford period products
12% of girls have had to borrow period products from a friend due to affordability issues
12% of girls have had to improvise period products due to affordability issues
One in five girls have changed to a less suitable period product due to cost
Image designed by a young person supported by our partners, Trafford Council's, period poverty campaign.
Period Poverty can have a devastating effect on women’s everyday lives, to say nothing of their dignity and self-respect. But it’s also having a knock-on effect on women’s employment and education, which could affect their long-term prospects. A 2019 survey by Bloody Big Brunch revealed that 25% of schoolgirls and women affected have missed school or work because they’ve been unable to access protection.
We feel that period wear isn’t a luxury and that everybody should be able to access products to help them manage their periods safely and effectively.
YouTube duo Syd and Ell talk about Period Poverty and Always' campaign with Morrisons and TBBT.
Earlier this year we teamed up with Morrisons and the UK’s leading period care brand, Always, who gave us a brilliant donation of 1 million period products as part of their Always’ End Period Poverty programme. And more are on their way! This has been of huge benefit to our TBBT members, partners and hubs across the North of England, providing the girls and women struggling to afford period products themselves a helping hand.
“This amazing donation is helping thousands of girls and young women - both our regular TBBT members and through the other projects we support - who are struggling to afford the period products they so desperately need. With the help of Morrisons, their shoppers and Always, TBBT is now helping more and more people in this situation, which is brilliant news for our members and the wider community.”
“This is the best thing that has come through The Bread and Butter Thing other than the food, because people really struggle to purchase the product and they shouldn’t, they really need it.”
“TBBT has been a lifesaver for us. Today, the offer of sanitary towels was incredible and really helpful as I have three daughters, aged 16, 19 and 23, so sanitary products take a chunk out of our budget, which is particularly difficult as their body clocks are in synch! Thank you again - you are all awesome!”
