University student delivers period packages for isolating students

Safa Ahmed, Vice President Welfare at Aston students union has created period care packages for self-isolating menstruating students, available through the universities safe zone app.

Aston University's students union have been working towards reducing period poverty and to ensure self-isolating students have basic sanitary products.

Aston University students can receive these period packages from 22 October, through the University’s SafeZone app. One of our COVID-19 volunteers then will drop a package off to the student’s accommodation.

“We recognise that university students who are self-isolating may not have supplies in their accommodation, so they do end up struggling when they desperately need sanitary items."

In the UK Period Poverty affects 37% of the nation, with 56% of them being 18- 24 years of age.

Throughout the Covid 19 pandemic, Bodyform and their parent company Essity have donated £172,000 worth of products to benefit 854 charities working to help those in isolation.

In the care packages, students will receive a variety of pads ranging in thickness and size - aiming to cater for all students needs. The packages are personalised and accompanied with Covid necessities like hand gel and face masks.

“Students also receive chocolate bars, hot chocolate sachets, herbal tea bags and personalised greeting cards. Hand gel and beauty face masks are provided too, so students really do get some great items!”

Safa

The team at Aston SU don't have a supplier for all of the stock, they have paid for all of the supplies themselves.

Although the packs have proven to be popular amongst students, Safa is concerned as it highlights the scale of period poverty as problem.

“We have had many requests from students living on campus for a period care package. It’s fantastic that the packages are readily available for students to use, however it highlights the issue of period poverty amongst university students across the country.”