We are celebrating the success of our eco-friendly period poverty campaign by confirming the project will return this autumn.
In the initial phase last year, the Council helped distribute 407 packs of sustainable menstrual products — including reusable pads, period pants, and menstrual cups — to residents in need.
Building on that success, the campaign will run again this autumn to support even more people with access to free, environmentally friendly period products.
A £12,000 budget was effectively used in last year’s campaign, launched in Environmenstrual Week, to support residents in need, helping reduce the cost burden while tackling environmental waste.
A follow-up survey received 71 responses, with overwhelmingly positive feedback about the dignity, relief, and sustainability the scheme provided.
The campaign, delivered in partnership with award-winning social enterprise Hey Girls, helped local residents who may be struggling to afford period products, while also reducing the 26,903 tonnes of waste generated annually across the UK from single-use items.
Cllr Heather Williams, Leader of the Opposition at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The reason I brought this motion to full council was because I believed there were women and girls in our local area struggling to have dignity due to period poverty. The success of the campaign while fantastic to celebrate is the sad reality of the circumstances in which some women and girls are living. All of us elected in local government put ourselves forward because we want to help people - we want to make people's lives better. And obviously, we can improve the quality of lives in many different ways. For every person that this has helped, I hope they know we are here for them, and I look forward to promoting further initiatives at the council that help change the quality of people's lives as this has done."
Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “This campaign has exceeded our expectations. We’ve not only helped hundreds of people access the period products they need, but we’ve done so in a way that reduces waste and ensures we are environmentally responsible. It’s a win for public health and for sustainability – and we are committed to building on this success by running it again later this year.”
Kate Smith Chief Executive of Hey Girls, added: “We’re proud to see South Cambridgeshire District Council lead the way. The number of product packs distributed demonstrate what a well-run, compassionate scheme this has been. It’s a brilliant example of what can be achieved when councils invest in the wellbeing of their residents. We’re excited to continue this partnership.”
The Council’s commitment to both social equity and the environment is reflected in the strong cross-party support the campaign received when first launched. Further details on the 2025 campaign to be announced closer to the date.
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