A survey by the charity Plan International UK found that one in 10 girls or women aged 14 to 21 in Britain cannot afford period pads or tampons. This seems a shocking statistic, given that the country is one of the wealthiest in the world. Indeed, some people on social media have questioned the statistic, finding it difficult to believe that anyone might not be able to afford the cost of period products.

A packet of 20 period pads or tampons costs roughly £2 to £3, and women might need at least a couple of packets a month: that’s a total monthly cost of £5 to £10. Other costs potentially include pain relief. While it might not seem like a great deal of money, it is sadly the case that a growing number of people – particularly younger people – are struggling to afford the basics.

The media interest in “period poverty” originally focused on the case of a schoolgirl using a sock because her lone mother could not afford to buy period items. The topic of periods has traditionally been a taboo, but such examples need to be shared, to shame the nation into action.

Scotland, at least, is piloting offering free period products to women and girls. Meanwhile in England, schools are being asked to use their discretion (and their already tight budgets) to decide for themselves how to respond. Further education colleges and schools also need to consider what they might do about this issue.

But the basic problem is that, despite being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, there is a growing number of young people who do not have enough to cover the basic costs of shelter, food, fuel and hygiene. As well as dealing with this particular issue, it’s necessary to tackle the root causes of this problem, so that people can live with dignity and decency in society.

Hey Girls HQ, have pledged to tackle period poverty in the UK and although they are relatively new in the femcare scene, they're on track to support girls and women UK wide. Just in the last 12 months, they have donated over 2.4 million products.

When you purchase one of their products from our website you buy one for a UK girl or women in need too. It works on a location basis, so that our products are widely available across diverse communities in the UK – so for instance, buying your products in an Asda in Edinburgh will ensure that deliveries reach one of our donation partners in communities in Edinburgh.

There are over 200 donation partners that Hey Girls work with who ensure that their products are received and given to girls and women who need a little extra help this month. Their wonderful donation partners include community organisations, home shelters, food banks, and charities. These partners provide an open and friendly environment where women and girls can freely pick up their needed products. Some partners extend their services to provide education to alleviate the stigma and taboos around menstruation, or a safe zone to discuss any issues relating to periods.

Since Hey Girls launched, they have supported and donated over 22 regions, with 2.4 million menstrual products through our ‘Buy One Give One ’ strategy.

Hey Girls products are manufactured in the People’s Republic of China and the EU. The factories are certified to ISO 9001. We ensure our suppliers are compliant with modern standards of health and safety, equal opportunities and diversity. We also ensure that our suppliers are aware of and comply with environmental standards.

Hey Girls believes in the power of organisations to do good  through their supply chains. By contracting  with other social enterprises where possible, we create greater value – for example, Haven PTS , who  pack and send our products,  employ people furthest from the labour market.

Here at Hey Girls we’ve created a variety of products available to suit everyone’s needs. However free does not mean low quality – we take great pride in delivery sustainable products; from bio-degradable day pads made from bamboo and corn fibre, to 100% organic tampons, or medical grade re-usable cups; it’s a combination of high levels of comfort with an environmental conscious. So you see, there’s something for everyone!

In an industry that has never been required to disclose its product’s ingredients or test their safety, we knew that there was a better way to communicate with our customers: a commitment to health and transparency. So every Hey Girls product is made with pure, ethically sourced ingredients. When you buy from Hey Girls, you are not only protecting your own health, but also the health of the amazing workers’ that made your products, their human rights and our global environment. Good stuff hey?