Middlesbrough bus station signs up to scheme to tackle period poverty

An appeal is to be launched for visitors to donate sanitary products in specially sited red bins soon to be seen at each entrance. Tights and underwear still in their packaging will also be accepted.

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The Red Box Project is a community-based, not-for-profit initiative, which aims to support young people throughout their periods by providing red boxes filled with free period products to local schools.

Donation boxes

Nicola Davies, Middlesbrough’s Red Box Project co-ordinator, said: “The stories about period poverty are very real, and I felt that if I could do one small thing to make a difference, then it is worth doing.

“Since starting the project in Middlesbrough in August last year, the response has been overwhelming. With the help of other volunteers, the kindness of the community and businesses who have given to the project we have been able to place red boxes in a number of schools, which are always gratefully received.”

Cllr Denise Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Commercial Services, said: “The Red Box Project is a sadly all too necessary way of tackling an issue which should not be allowed to exist.

“That women in girls in our communities are having to make choices between sanitary products and other essential items is absolutely heartbreaking.

“Middlesbrough Bus Station is one of the busiest places in the region and we hope – as they always do – the Middlesbrough community will rally around this initiative and make donations as and when they can.”

A scheme for donated sanitary products already exists at Thorntree Community Hub having been launched by Brambles and Thorntree ward councillor Geraldine Purvis in 2017.

For more information about the project search Facebook for 'Red Box Project Middlesbrough' or email at redboxproject.middlesbrough@gmail.com