Ending period poverty for College students

Students at Borders College will this year have access to free sanitary products as part of the Scottish Government’s drive to end period poverty, and the College is in good company with a schools, colleges and universities across Scotland also lending their support to the campaign.

Those living in poverty or on a low-income in Scotland often struggle to afford essential feminine hygiene products, making it difficult for them to go about their day during that ‘time of the month’, including attending school or college.  Following a successful pilot scheme in Aberdeen which saw over 1,000 people take part, the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that lack of access to such products does not impact on an individual’s ability to fully participate in education at all levels.This is why Borders College has decided to tackle the issue head-on by sourcing an initial supply of items from the Government’s campaign for students to benefit from.

Student President, Douglas Jardine, said:
“Although this is a brand new initiative within the College, we hope that it is well received, becoming commonplace and a permanent fixture for our students.”

Free sanitary towels and tampons will be made available to all students across the College, and can be obtained from the Student Advice Centre or Students’ Association Office at the Galashiels campus, or from any campus reception.