More than 1,000 places available on app to locate free period products

An app which helps people to locate free period products in Scotland now links to over 1,000 places across the country.

It was launched in January aiming to make it easier for those who need them to access free products.

Scotland became the first country in the world to make period products widely available for free after unanimously passing legislation in November, 2020.

Social justice secretary Shona Robison said that it is “more important than ever” to help people to access free period products, amid the cost of living crisis.

The ‘PickupMyPeriod’ app can be downloaded on IOS or Android devices.

Over £27m has been invested since 2017 to fund access to free period products across a range of settings including schools, colleges and universities, the Scottish Government has indicated.

And Robison described the legislation introduced in Scotland as “world-leading”, as she spoke on Menstrual Hygiene Day, taking place on May 28.

“The PickUpMyPeriod locator now connects to over 1000 locations across Scotland, making it easier than ever for people to access free period products when they need them,” said Robison.

“This is more important than ever at a time when people are making difficult choices due to the rising cost of living.

“As we celebrate these world-leading achievements this Menstrual Hygiene Day, it is important to remember that not everyone has access to period products.

“However, it is inspiring to see other countries around the world taking our approach to period dignity.

“This also includes Rwanda, where we’ve provided WaterAid with £100,000 to equip women with the skills, tools and materials they need to produce affordable reusable period pads, enabling them to create a steady income.

“We recognise that period dignity goes beyond provision of free period products, which is why we have also provided funding for a period dignity website for employers, run a successful anti-stigma campaign, and improved the menstrual health resources available for teachers.”

The app directs users to the nearest location where free period products are available.(AppStore) App Store

Elizabeth McKernan, partnerships manager at WaterAid Scotland outlined the importance of people having decent education about their menstrual cycle and menstrual hygiene.

“This year, we are focusing on the importance of having the right information and the right products and resources needed for a safe, healthy period,” she said.

“We believe that no one should be left in the dark, or in the red, when it comes to periods.

“That means, making sure that people have decent education about their menstrual cycle and menstrual hygiene, clean water to wash with and decent toilets to manage their period, and sanitary products to keep clean.

“We welcome this important work here in Scotland by the Scottish Government and their support for our work in Rwanda, which is helping women and girls to manage their period with dignity.”

Earlier this week, Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon – who played a key role in campaigning for Scotland to make period products available for free – called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to remove VAT on sustainable period products.

They include items such as period pants – which are classed as underwear by the Treasury, despite being for menstrual use.