Period poverty scheme coming to region

A pilot scheme aimed at tackling “period poverty” will be extended into Perth and Kinross.

The programme which gives free sanitary products to women from lowincome households is now being rolled out across Scotland, and Perthshire North’s MSP John Swinney has welcomed the news it will be available to those living in the region.

A pilot scheme was run from September until February in Aberdeen, and two thirds of those taking part had said they experienced difficulties in accessing sanitary products in the past.

Mr Swinney said: “This is an important, progressive step forward - one that I’m sure women across all of Perthshire will welcome.

“Access to sanitary products is a basic right, and I am proud that the Scottish Government is taking bold action to ensure that no female will have to worry about the affordability of such items.

“This is another example of the Scottish Government taking tangible steps to improve the everyday lives of people across Perthshire, and the nation.”

It is estimated over £500,000 worth of sanitary products will be dished out across the country to an estimated 18,800 women.

This comes after the Scottish Government said it will introduce free sanitary products to women and girls at school, college and university.

Equalities secretary Angela Constance said: “The pilot in Aberdeen helped us to understand the barriers that some people face when it comes to accessing sanitary products and I’d like to thank Community Food Initiatives North East for their help and work on this.”