Period Poverty

Our period poverty consultation analysis ran from 19 July 2024 to 11 October 2024, receiving a total of 119 responses. In prioritising accessibility to this consultation, it was promoted across social media, on Southend-on-Sea City Council’s interactive portal ‘Your Say Southend’, and paper copies were distributed across all libraries and made available to local foodbanks in the city. We ultimately welcomed 111 responses online, 8 completed paper documents, and at the peak of the consultation over 59 visits were made per day. We extend our warmest thanks to all those who participated in the consultation. 

The consultation has been invaluable in outlining the extent of period poverty in Southend, with 61% stating they felt that the cost of living had impacted their choice or ability to spend money on sanitary products. In addition to 33% affirming they have subsequently opted for cheaper products or used toilet roll, comments recalled experiences of having to prioritise buying food over sanitary products, using a credit card to purchase products, and opting for free contraception to prevent bleeding. 

Responses also spotlighted concern about sustainability, with 78% of respondents affirming they were concerned about the impact of sanitary products on the environment. Comments expressed concerns about biodegradability, single-use plastic, and the contribution of sanitary products to landfills and water systems. 

In addition to reusable products having a lower environmental impact, they are typically much more cost-effective in the long term, although comments highlighted the barrier of their initial cost and accessibility. We asked whether respondents would like to participate in a pilot trialling free sustainable products from the social enterprise Hey Girls (hey girls | Award Winning Period Product Social Enterprise). Since the consultation, we have organised collection points for tote bags containing the selected products for 27 residents who engaged, ranging from dermatologically tested and sustainable period pants to menstrual cups (with detailed instructions for use and cleaning). To make collection as hassle-free as possible, we arranged pick-up points at varying times at libraries in all relevant postcodes with opportunities to discuss concerns and suggestions with us, in addition to offering flexible collection from the Victoria Civic Centre. After our pilot participants have had the opportunity to test the products, our next steps will be to gather feedback on their experiences of using the sustainable products and to evaluate how we can move forward in addressing period poverty in Southend. 

Through the consultation we identified that only 8% of survey respondents were under 20 years old and that there was a need to further engage with young people in the city to understand how they are impacted by period poverty and how we can best support them. Since the consultation, we have corresponded with the Youth Council, representing the interests and concerns of young people in schools across Southend, and have launched investigation into the provision and accessibility of period products in schools and colleges in the city. We are continuing to explore this with commitment to premium pupils in Southend and will share updates on this page.  

Please do not hesitate to share suggestions, feedback, and concerns with us by contacting womenshealthhub@southend.gov.uk(External link). For more information on how you can access free or subsidised hygiene products in Southend-on-Sea, please see the postcard below directing you to brilliant local charities and organisations that may be able to offer support (please note opening times listed as of December 2024 and products are subject to varying availability).