Free female sanitary products are being given out to school pupils by Caerphilly County Borough Council as part of its Period Dignity initiative.

The packs have been distributed to the homes of more than 1,200 pupils aged nine and above by council staff, who have also been delivering free school meals across the borough during the coronavirus pandemic.

The products, which the council say are environmentally-friendly, were funded by the Welsh Government’s Period Dignity Grant.

The sanitary products will also be handed out to schools for pupils to access when they reopen on Monday (June 29), while places such as youth centres, community centres and libraries will also receive the packs when they’re able to reopen.

Leader of the council, Cllr Philippa Marsden, said: “It was imperative that we did the right thing for our girls and young women in providing these items through the Welsh Government grant, but it was also important to do it in a sustainable way and signal a move to provide reusable and environmentally friendly products for all. 

“I am so pleased that we are able to get these products to those that need them at this very difficult time.”

Cllr Barbara Jones, cabinet member for education, said: “No young woman should be placed at a disadvantage or see their education suffer as a result of not being able to access sanitary products. By providing these products freely in our schools, we can remove this barrier.

“We recognise that accessing these products will be an issue while schools, youth service provision and community buildings are closed, so we’re using a variety of ways to get these essential items to those who need them.”