How to get FREE sanitary products in the UK, including signing up to the Free Periods scheme
THE current cost of sanitary towels, tampons and moon cups mean that period poverty is a real problem for thousands of women living in the UK.
According to the charity , it is estimated that the average British woman will spend over £18,000 on menstrual products in their lifetime.
Meanwhile, 137,700 children have missed school as a direct result of period poverty.
While supermarkets Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose now subsidise the controversial tampon tax, the five percent extra VAT is still applied to these so-called "luxury" sanitary products in other superstores.
Luckily, if you're struggling to make ends meet during that time of the month, then there are schemes you can rely on to help you get sanitary products for FREE.
The sanitary towel company Always runs a school-based initiative which pledges to give any registered secondary school up to 7,400 free pads a year.
All you have to do is contact your school and ask them to register with Always.
Meanwhile, university students could be eligible for one of ' charitable schemes.
The student unions at Edinburgh University, the University of Sussex, the University of Warwick and the University of Sunderland all have access to free sanitary products for female students in need.
What is the tampon tax?
- The Tampon tax is the name given to VAT charged on women's sanitary products including tampons, pads and towels.
- The rate is currently five per cent, compared with 20 per cent VAT on most products and services, while some essential items such as food are exempt or zero-rated.
- Campaigners have warned the charge makes it harder for women to afford sanitary protection, leading to "period poverty"
- Supermarkets such as Morrisons, Tesco and Waitrose have all slashed the tampon tax - saving their customers five per cent on all sanitary products
Alternatively, local food banks also receive sanitary products through their donations - although you may need to be referred by a social worker, doctor or teacher to claim them.
What's more, the charity supplies sanitary products to 16 asylum seeker centres around Leeds and London.
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