Council supports Menstrual Hygiene Day
Posted on 28 May 2024
North Ayrshire Council joins communities and its partners to pledge its support for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024.
Celebrated on Tuesday, May 28, the annual awareness day is recognised globally as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene and break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation.
The date of the global awareness raising campaign has been intentionally selected because on average, periods last for five days – represented by May being the fifth month of the year – and cycles tend to last 28 days.
Each year, a specific theme is chosen for World Menstrual Hygiene Day to focus on different aspects surrounding menstrual hygiene management. The theme of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 is: Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.
To achieve a #PeriodFriendlyNorthAyrshire, the Council’s dedicated Period Dignity team are at the forefront of ensuring the Council supports all six localities across North Ayrshire to break the stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation.
Removing barriers, by providing free period products in all Council buildings, the Council is committed to ensuring that everyone can access the products, and information about periods and the support options available, when and where they need it.
Head of Service for Connected Communities, Rhonda Leith shares: “Everyone deserves to menstruate with dignity. Prioritising menstrual health is imperative.
“We are committed to raising the awareness of our provision to allow everyone the right to manage periods safely, confidently, and most importantly with dignity.
“We understand just how far-reaching the negative impacts can be when people are unable to access the menstrual products they need. This is why North Ayrshire Council has provided free period products in all of our Council buildings since 2017.
“This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we want to remind residents that Council staff are always here to talk and listen, if you need support.
“Whether it’s a member of library staff, teacher, or someone in one of our leisure centres, venues or community centres, this week is the perfect opportunity to talk to us about periods and how to access products. Help is available now, you are not alone.”
If you’re visiting Libraries in North Ayrshire this week, look out for the newly created Wellness Corners where the Period Dignity team will provide the latest information and educational materials to help residents to menstruate with dignity.
These Wellness Corners will also have a QR code to scan if residents wish to share feedback on the free period products provision. Alternatively, feedback can be shared online using the: Period Dignity - North Ayrshire Feedback Survey.
If you would like to find out more about the work of the Council’s Period Dignity team, visit the dedicated Council webpage.
For further support visit the Council’s Cost-of-Living webpage or use the PickUpMyPeriod app to find your nearest location for free period products.
Access further Cost-of-Living support in North Ayrshire at: https://tinyurl.com/supportNA
