Studio night helps to stop period poverty
AWIDNES nightspot has held an gig evening aimed at helping to address the issue of period poverty in Halton.
Women Shall Overcome took place at the Studio on Lacey Street on Saturday, October 13, and punters were asked to donate sanitary products in exchange for entry and entertainment.
Acts included Jenny Colquitt, Catherine Hardman, Beth Woods, Kirsty Dyas with special guest Betty Be Bashful showcasing burlesque skills, protest poet Laura Taylor, comedian Lindsey Davies plus the group’s infamous fashion show featuring Frank and Biscuit.
Special guest Eithne Browne, known for her role as Chrissy Rogers in Brookside, was host.
The event, organised by Louise Nulty and Laura Bevan, returned to the venue for the second time having debuted last year, and is an offshoot of a wider anti-austerity movement behind hundreds of gigs taking place all over the country to raise food, toiletries and other items for those in need.
It also aimed to give women a platform to talk about specific challenges they face and to provide advice and inspiration.
Last year’s event gave those attending a motivation boost to push their business ideas and try to ● play a bigger role in projects in their neighbourhoods.
Laura said: “Although we understand there are men and women in need it was after hearing increasing issues around period poverty and the struggles women face having periods when living on the streets that we decided to ask people to donate these items specifically.”
Donations will be distributed to Creative Support at Brennan Lodge, Nightstop and the Red Box Project.