The scheme and its origins
LUU has offered free sexual health and period products since February 2019, when Welfare and Equality and Diversity Officers Matt and Tamsin initiated the project. However, it has completely transformed into the 2021 vision that now exists. Gone are the vending machines that only dispensed a singular pad, and in are the whole packs of sustainable supplies to really tackle the issue of period poverty.
Period poverty means you have no – or limited – access to safe hygienic sanitary products. When you are facing this issue it can affect your time at university, limiting your capacity to work and engage in university life. The new cabinets have been introduced to support you in your period by providing whole packs. We have also kept single pads and tampons in toilets to help if you get caught short. Periods are very individual, which is why it’s important that we offer a range of products from tampons, pads and menstrual cups. This choice allows you to pick the product you feel most comfortable with.
Living LUU’s values in all we do
It is also very important to emphasise that our cabinets are open to everyone. Menstruation is a biological function that isn’t necessarily related to gender. We aim to demystify and destigmatize menstruation without shutting anyone out.
Having launched our LUU sustainability strategy in 2021, it was important to me that we use a brand that aligns with LUU’s sustainability values. That’s why we chose to stock TOTM products, which do not use unnecessary plastic, chemicals, dyes or fragrance.
Breaking the taboo
Our 2021/22 revamp of the sanitary products now includes sexual health products! We now stock condoms, lube, STI kits, pregnancy tests and dental dams. We aim to demystify these often ‘taboo’ subjects by proudly placing the products open to all in our union. Menstruation and sexual liberation is important to me, and I think we need to liberate people to talk more about these conventionally taboo topics. Putting free sexual health and period products out in the open is the first step to making these topics more openly discussed. I love seeing groups of people pass the cabinets and looking inside – it sparks a conversation.
A lasting legacy
Due to the success of the project in LUU it has inspired our residences team to set up something similar. I have been working closely with the residences team to expand the project to include similar cabinets in University halls. Looking to the future I hope the project gets fully implemented into all our residences. I also want to continue working with local charities to start the conversation on periods and sexual health to liberate our students.
Overall, this project has taught me about the power of small initiatives. Giving out free sexual health and period products may not seem like a huge deal, but it could be the difference between someone attending a lecture or not.
If you would like to access the products they can be found in the cabinets located outside the Executive Office (1st Floor) & in the Advice Office in the Foyer.
