Girls from deprived families having to attend school without hygiene products during their periods is leaving teachers feeling helpless, a charity has said.
The shocking evidence of period poverty affecting local schoolgirls has become apparent this week as a Co Down 'Hygiene Bank' reaches out to the public.
The Moira-based charity, which covers Lisburn, Portadown and Craigavon areas, is calling out to women and girls in need as well as for people willing to make hygiene product donations to make contact.
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Founder of the group, Catherine (all volunteers use first names only) spoke to the media ahead of a public awareness event funded by Lisburn and Castlereagh Grand Choice on Thursday, August 11, in the Bow Street Mall, Lisburn.
"In the beginning of the charity, some people were perhaps criticising us and wondering what the need was for," said Catherine.
"I can tell you I have been speaking with teachers at local schools and they know that some of the girls will be on their periods, but their parents cannot afford to buy them pads or tampons, which of course is terrible for the girls and the teachers who feel helpless.
"Schools themselves can apply for budgets to buy period products, but even then that is only for when the girls are in school and not when they go home," she added.
The new charity has been able to gain support from one of the biggest chemist shops in the UK providing essential support to those in need
"It was found that there was a lot of need for hygiene products, especially period products. It was actually at the time of the Covid pandemic that things really took off in about April 2020.
"That's when Boots in Moira came on board. As they are a chemist they could stay open during the pandemic, so it was a perfect drop off point for the Hygiene Bank.
"The first collection went really well and it was a real eye-opener as to the need out there for hygiene products. The demand for the products has generated about 20 community partners.
"We give out to many different organisations such as Women's Aid and local schools as well as families. With families we just ask how many people will be having periods in the house so we know to pack their bundle with the right amount of products," said Catherine.
The work of the Hygiene Bank has secured £500 funding with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council for the Bow Street Mall event. The Moira group has been able to use the 'In Kind Direct' discount charity to purchase a considerable amount more than from normal shops, which has seen the initial council funding used to purchase £2,542 worth of products.
"I recall when we just started we would face some negativity as some people wouldn't believe that there were others out there who couldn't afford to buy hygiene products," said Catherine.
"But when you realise that so many people nowadays go to food banks, it is often the hygiene products that are the first thing they stop buying for themselves to save some money.
"We also provide all types of things from toothpaste, to nappies and shower gel to deodorant and even soap anything that is considered essential for body hygiene purposes.
"What we are in real need of at the moment is toilet paper. Just last week, we dropped off 100kgs in just one day," she said.
As well has providing products, the Co Down organisation is also a contact source for all people who require hygiene support to help remove any stigma associated with such need.
"If anyone is requiring assistance we will be able to sign post them to organisations that we continue to support with hygiene products.
"My aim for this event is to make speaking to us more accessible and if anyone has reservation of asking for help or wondering what we do they can just pop by," added the Hygiene Bank founder.
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