Washroom services and consumables provider phs Group has launched a free-vend sanitary dispenser for schools, colleges, universities and businesses in a big to tackle period poverty.
The purpose-designed dispenser was created in response to the growing period poverty agenda and rise in demand from customers across the UK and Ireland. It has already been extensively trialled in Scotland following a directive by the Scottish Government to make free sanitary products available to all pupils and students. In the Spring Statement, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced a similar scheme for secondary schools across England from September.
phs worked with facilities management companies as well as education establishments and businesses to develop a solution which would best meet their needs and offer free sanitary products to females in the most convenient and accessible way. Several establishments, including schools, colleges, universities and businesses, now have permanent free-vend machines from phs to provide free sanitary products. And since being introduced to market, demand has already started to grow across the UK – despite no legal requirement to provide free sanitary wear.
Clare Noble, Head of Healthcare at phs, said: “Period poverty is a growing concern and an issue which needs to be addressed. Sanitary products are not a luxury, they are an essential and it’s been proven that being unable to afford these items can have a detrimental effect – whether it’s by causing females to skip school, miss work or expose themselves to health risks.
“Free-vend machines are a real solution in tackling period poverty. Installing these within washrooms gives females who need it instant and discreet access to sanitary products without the embarrassment or inconvenience of having to visit an office or school nurse. The products are also stored appropriately so they are kept clean and dry, dispensing one item at a time as needed.”
