Period Poverty and the Cost of Living

Period Dignity and the Cost of Living

For those who get periods each month, the Cost of Living crisis can make an already difficult time even more stressful.

We believe that every person who experiences menstruation should have access to period products in a safe, inclusive and dignified way, and your SU is here to help alleviate some of that worry with our Period Poverty campaign.

We provide a range of free period products including reusable pads, tampons, and Mooncups.

Here are the Facts, Period

Each month, the body prepares for possible pregnancy with the uterus producing a thicker lining and ovaries releasing an egg. If the egg isn't fertilised by sperm, pregnancy won't take place and as a result, the body sheds the thicker lining produced by the uterus, resulting in menstruation.

• The average menstrual cycle length is 28 days, but anything from 23 to 35 days is normal
• Many factors can influence your cycle, including:
  • stress
  • sudden weight gain or weight loss
  • overexercising
  • taking contraception
  • the menopause
  • pregnancy
  • PCOS
• Between 1 - 5 tablespoons of blood is passed during the average period
• Those who menstruate will have on average 500 periods in their lifetime, and use up to 15,000 period products
• Tampons were in use in some form as far back as 2000 years ago
• The sound of your voice changes during menstruation
• Slang for being on your period varies in different countries - La Semaine Ketchup (Ketchup Week) in France, El Vampiro (The Vampire) in Spanish, Kommunister i Lysthuset (Communists in the Gazebo) in Danish - click here for more
• Disney made a movie about menstruation in 1946

What We Do

Your SU are here to support you during the Cost of Living crisis and that extends to period poverty.

We run a Foodbank each week, and we supply period products with the foodbank parcels. If you are unable to make Friday afternoons, we encourage you to pop into the offices in the Faraday building where you will be able to pick up some products. You can also get in touch with the Advice and Support Centre where you will be able to pick up some period products.

Sustainability is important to us so we are dedicated to offering sustainable period products - we offer reusable pads as well as Mooncups.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need help - we're here to support you through this difficult time. Contact our Advice and Support Centre if you need to speak to someone.