Free sanitary products
A range of free period products are available in venues across East Renfrewshire.
As part of our support for communities and a commitment to equality, we offer free period products in a range of venues for people to take however much they need, whenever they need it, for whoever needs it. To achieve this, we work in partnership with community planning partners, community organisations and the Scottish Government.
At present, the following products are available:
- Individually wrapped day pads and tampons
- Packets of day and night towels
- Boxes of regular and super tampons
- Menstrual cups
- Reusable cloth pads
These products are available at various venues across the whole of East Renfrewshire, including all schools. We will continue to make products available in as many places as possible, and specifically through NHS health centres, leisure facilities, community centres, libraries and community organisations.
PickupMyPeriod App
The PickupMyPeriod app directs users to the nearest location where free period products are available based upon either the user's GPS location or an entered postcode. It allows users to filter what products are available, in which locations and building opening hours.
You can now download the app through these links:
For Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myperiodapp
For Apple: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/pickupmyperiod/id1500403938
Or search "PickUpMyPeriod" on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Barrhead |
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Neilston |
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Busby |
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Uplawmoor |
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Eaglesham |
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Newton Mearns |
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Thornliebank |
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Clarkston |
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Netherlee |
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Giffnock |
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During February, March and June 2022, we consulted with people about the provision of Free Period Products in East Renfrewshire. See a summary of the findings from Community and Education consultations below:
Community and Education Consultation Results (PDF, 891 KB)
These findings will inform the provision of free period products in schools and communities in East Renfrewshire, as outlined in the full statement:
East Renfrewshire Free Period Product Scotland (2021)- Statement of Provision (PDF, 481 KB)
Who are HeyGirls?
Hey Girls is an award winning social enterprise who are producing environmentally-friendly period products and are committed to ensuring everyone has a dignified period.
Visit HeyGirls website for more information about the organisation and their products.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Tampons are associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare but very serious illness that can develop rapidly in anyone. But don't worry - across the whole of the UK, there are only about 20 cases reported each year that are associated with people using tampons. Further information on TSS is available on the NHS website.
Symptoms of TSS include: a sudden high fever usually over 39C, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle aches, a sun burn like rash, sore throat, dizziness and/or fainting, and severe flu-like feeling. Not all symptoms of TSS may occur simultaneously.
In the unlikely event that symptoms of TSS occur, remove the tampon, consult with a doctor urgently and inform them that a tampon has been used. If left untreated, TSS can be fatal. The following actions will help reduce the very small risk of TSS occurring:
- At night, insert a fresh tampon before going to sleep and replace first thing in the morning. Change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours or more often if needed.
- Think about switching between tampons and towels, pads/liners from time to time during you period.
- Only use tampons during menstruation, use only one tampon at any time, and ensure the removal of the last tampon once menstruation has finished.
To help the environment, remember to dispose of tampons, applicator tubes and wrappers in a waste bin. Please do not flush tampons, applicator tubes or wrappers down the toilet.
