Ysgol Greenhill in Tenby recently became involved in Pembrokeshire County Council’s effort to combat period poverty across our communities.

Since 2019 all Local Authorities in Wales have been issued an allocation of the Period Dignity Grant, and in Pembrokeshire the Council is not only focusing the grant spend on sanitary products, but also utilising it to empower young people to make informed decisions as to what best suits their needs and bodies. One of the ways in which this is being achieved is via the new ‘Period Product Pick & Mix’ Project.

The Pick & Mix scheme is an exciting new opportunity for young people to try a variety of sanitary products for FREE. As part of the project pilot, two special Pick & Mix stands have been set up in Pembrokeshire, one at Greenhill School and one at Milford Youth Matter’s ‘Pop Up Shop’- located on Charles Street in Milford Haven. The project is offering a wide variety of sanitary products, from single use pads and tampons to reusable options - all of which young people can sample for free. The idea is to ensure any financial burden or knowledge barrier is removed from trialling different options, meaning nobody is prevented from accessing choice because of lack of information or poverty.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, has said “The pick and mix isn’t just about products, it is also a platform for information and guidance to be shared to increase understanding and safe use of the various products available on the market. Young people can only make educated decisions if they are equipped with information and resources, so we very much hope that this fun and interactive project will have a positive impact.

“It is vital that people are equipped to positively manage their periods and not be disadvantaged by them. In life there are plenty of things to worry about, but periods shouldn’t be one of them.

“Pembrokeshire County Council will continue to work with partners to provide free period products in the most dignified way possible to those in need, and strive to end period poverty.”