Renfrewshire Council

1 in 10 women in the UK are affected by period poverty - when people struggle to pay for sanitary products on a regular basis.

Period poverty can have a serious impact on hygiene, health and overall wellbeing. Those experiencing it are often forced to choose between buying food and buying sanitary products.

In some cases, those affected will resort to toilet roll, newspapers or even socks as an alternative to buying sanitary products.

Here in Renfrewshire, we're taking steps to ensure that no one experiences period poverty.

With support from the Scottish Government, Renfrewshire Council will provide free sanitary products in 25 community venues right across Renfrewshire - including town halls, leisure centres and libraries. Products will be available in toilets and accessible toilets in each of the venues below from Monday 7 October.

Fareshare will also provide free sanitary products to community organisations who support people with low incomes. If any organisation is interested in becoming involved in Renfrewshire's Period Poverty initiative please contact Linda at Fareshare - linda@moveon.org.uk 

Anyone can take whatever they need, whenever they need it - period.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body and releasing harmful toxins. It's often associated with tampon use in young women, but it can affect anyone of any age - including men and children. Using tampons can increase your risk of developing TSS, particularly if you leave them in for longer than recommended or you use "super-absorbent" tampons. Tampons should be changed regularly - please help yourself from our supplies so you have enough to allow you to do this. Visit NHS UK for more information.