New initiative to tackle period poverty in Eastbourne

Named 'Package for Milly', the scheme will provide free menstrual products to anyone who needs them.

Starting from Tuesday, October 28, visitors to the Beacon shopping centre can simply approach any centre employee and ask for 'a package for Milly', and they will receive an envelope containing essential menstrual products.

The scheme was first introduced in the Jackson Square Shopping Centre in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, earlier this year.

If the take-up in Eastbourne is strong, the initiative will be rolled out in other Legal & General shopping centres around the country.

Hend Moussa, community manager at The Beacon, said: "We recognise that period poverty is a significant issue affecting many people in our local community.

"Our Package for Milly initiative is designed to provide dignified access to necessary products for those who may be struggling financially.

"Simply approach any of our cleaning or security teams on the shopfloor, ask for a Package for Milly, and the products will be handed over with no questions asked."

The initiative was the brainchild of Jackson Square community manager, Hayley Harris, who named the campaign after women’s suffrage activist Millicent Fawcett.

Ms Harris said: "Period poverty is a real issue. Latest figures from ActionAid UK reports 10 per cent of girls in the UK have been unable to purchase menstrual products, 15 per cent have struggled to access them, and 19 per cent have switched to less appropriate products due to high costs.

"This campaign seeks to remove the stigma often associated with period poverty and ensure that no one in the community has to go without essential menstrual products due to financial constraints."

She added: "We hope this initiative will not only provide immediate relief but also spark broader conversations about period poverty in our society."