Sanitary products initiative

School distribution

Being chosen to captain any team is a top honour, but there is particular prestige when asked to fill the role at your school.

That’s exactly the welcome boost that a group of talented pupils at Coatbridge High had bestowed upon them.

Elise Cunningham and Jack Cummings will act as the secondary school’s girls’and boys’captains for the year ahead.

Providing welcome support to the duo will be their team of vicecaptains, Rachel McCormack, Rachel Watt, Tyler Boyle and Chloe Meechan.

A Coatbridge High spokesperson told the Advertiser:“Our congratulations go to all six pupils on being chosen for the captain and vice-captains roles.

“They are looking forward to getting down to work and we are confident they will be great ambassadors for the school and their fellow pupils throughout the school year.”

Head teacher Janie O’Neil and S6 year head Leslie Morrison are pictured above with (L-R) Rachel McCormack, Rachel Watt, Elise, Jack, Tyler and Chloe.

Free sanitary products will be distributed within all secondary schools in Monklands in a bid to end ‘period poverty’ for pupils.

The decision to pilot the project was agreed at a North Lanarkshire Council committee meeting, following unanimous agreement from councillors.

The council will also consider rolling out the scheme universally to other establishments including leisure centres, libraries and community centres.

Councillor Heather McVey, equalities champion, said: “Period poverty is an issue that is often a private struggle for many people and if the provision of free sanitary products within schools can help to relieve the situation for many young people in North Lanarkshire, then we are making a real and valuable impact to support families living in poverty.

“Th e re ha s b e e n widespread discussion about the impact that poverty can have for young girls and women in terms of difficulties experienced when menstruating.

“While the council welcomes the Scottish Government developing its policy for next year, we felt that this was such a pressing matter we wanted to make a difference to many of our young people immediately.”

Free dispensing machines will be installed within toilet facilities of the 23 secondary schools across Nor th Lanarkshire, stocked with a range of sanitary products.

The council- funded pilot scheme is the result of ongoing research being carried out by a working group set up to explore ways to support families affected by poverty.