No end of help on hand at Period Stop
Box offers sanitary products during lockdown
A service that provides period products to people in self-isolation has been extended by the creation of a ‘Period Stop’.
PKAVS (Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service) teamed up with North Inch and Muirton Community Council for the project.
The latest addition to the community council’s popular ‘Give and Take Boxes’ will provide the opportunity for those in need to access sanitary products during lockdown.
PKAVS offered to fund the box to expand on the success of its ‘Tampon Taxi’ service delivering to Perth, Kinross and now Crieff.
The charity launched the Tampon Taxi in mid-March and has delivered free period products to over 40 households.
Beginning with deliveries to homes in Perth, HomeStart Perth then offered to make deliveries in Kinross, a volunteer then offered to make deliveries in the Crieff area and there are now plans to roll it out into Blairgowrie and Rattray.
Team leader Jenni Keenan said: “The response has been really positive so far.
“Those receiving products are primarily those who are in self-isolation, or who would usually get free products from school, college or another service, although it is open to absolutely anyone who finds themself in need.
“We often get a wee text after a delivery to say thank you and express how much of a help the service is to someone.”
Each of the delivery drivers who deliver in their own cars as opposed to a car with ‘Tampon Taxi’ emblazoned across the side of it - have a small supply of period products.
Jenni added: “I have the main supply of products provided by PKC here at home to run out with top-ups as required which makes for an interesting addition to the front room.
“When we get a text or email, I direct it on to the person who will be doing the delivery, who then leaves a paper bag at the front door for the person who requested it, knocks, and leaves, avoiding any person-toperson contact.”
When PKAVS spotted NIMCC’s Give and Take Boxes, it approached the community council to ask if they could create a Period Stop.
NIMCC was delighted to help and so a box filled with sanitary products has just been installed on the grassy area between Pepe’s and the Dunkeld Road/ Crieff Road roundabout.
Jenni said: “It seemed like a fantastic way to make essentials available to people, and Emma (from NIMCC) has been really supportive and helpful through the process of getting it set up.”
It seemed like a fantastic way to make essentials available to people