Scunthorpe local is leading a revolutionary new initiative to supply free menstrual products in public locations, motivated by her own health experiences. The scheme, named ‘Period Points’, is the brainchild of Rochelle Brown, a woman battling Von Willebrand disease. The disease causes prolonged and heavy menstrual cycles, leading to a heightened need for sanitary products.
Rochelle’s aim is to offer pads and tampons at numerous venues across Scunthorpe and has secured contracts with several leading retailers such as Tesco and Asda. Having been diagnosed with the disease at the age of fourteen, Rochelle resonates deeply with the discomfort and inconvenience that can be caused by poor access to such necessities.
In launching ‘Period Points’, Rochelle is intent on normalising menstrual health and reducing associated stigma, ensuring that nobody feels left out while dealing with a natural bodily process. She is currently on the lookout for local establishments interested in hosting or sponsoring the scheme, as well as donations to help maintain product availability.
The pioneering initiative comes in the wake of Scotland’s decision to provide menstrual products free of cost nationwide from next year, a step she hopes Lincolnshire will soon imitate.
This narrative was modified by The Lincoln Post following original coverage by www.bbc.com.
