Why offer free period products? 

Research published in May 2022 indicated that almost one in eight people who have periods in Great Britain struggled to buy menstrual products for themselves and/or a dependent in the previous six months. Nearly half of those reported that they had to use ineffective and even unsafe measures to manage their periods, such as leaving tampons in for longer than advised or using tissues instead of properly designed products. We don’t want anyone to be in this position, so together with the University we are now offering free period products to any student who needs them. 

How can I access free period products? 

At CU Scarborough we’ll be offering period products in two ways: 

• Bathroom Baskets  
  You might have already spotted our pick-up points in the women’s toilets on all three floors! If you find yourself caught out, pick up a pad or tampon from the basket to use as you need. Please only take one of what you need from the basket so there’s plenty left for others to use. 

• Bagged Supplies 
  If you’re struggling to afford period products for yourself and/or a dependent, we can bag up a full supply of tampons and/or pads for you to discreetly take away with you. Just visit the Students’ Union office (room G.16 - ask the front desk if you’re not sure) or contact us on scarborough.su@coventry.ac.uk. We can also support you in applying for financial assistance if you are struggling to afford basic supplies like period products. 

What’s on offer? 

One of our core organisational values is to be ethical, so this is reflected in the products we’ve selected to offer students for free. We’ve chosen Here We Flo, a women-of-colour owned business which creates vegan, cruelty-free, biodegradable period products. Here’s what you can pick up: 

• Eco-Applicator Tampons 
  Organic, hypoallergenic and biodegradable cotton tampons, complete with 100% recyclable, 95% plant-based applicators. No synthetic fibres, chemical resides, dyes, pesticides, chlorine bleach or fragrances. Available in Super (blue wrapper) and Regular (pink wrapper) flow options. 

• Bamboo Period Pads 
  100% organic, vegan, biodegradable bamboo period pads, complete with biodegradable wrappers. Available in Day (pink wrapper) and Night (blue wrapper) flow options. 

If you have any questions about this initiative or the products available, please get in touch with us at scarborough.su@coventry.ac.uk.