Almost half of all British schoolchildren are struggling to meet their basic hygiene needs due to a lack of readily available period products according to new research commissioned by the charity In Kind Direct in partnership with leading global health and hygiene company, Essity.
The study highlights a severe gap in menstrual health support, with a staggering 43% of secondary school students who menstruate reporting difficulties in accessing their own period products. This means that nearly half of young people in schools are facing unnecessary barriers to managing their periods, an issue that can significantly impact their education, wellbeing, and dignity.
In a shocking response to this crisis, teachers are stepping in to fill the void. Over four-fifths (87%) of teachers report keeping a personal supply of period products at school to help students in need. Despite their efforts, the lack of systemic support is evident, as more than half (51%) of schools either only provide products upon request—forcing students to ask a teacher, reception, or school nurse—or do not supply period products at all.
These findings come despite the Period Product Scheme, a government initiative aimed at addressing these shortages. Alarmingly, awareness and utilisation of the scheme remain low: only 42% of primary schools and 59% of secondary schools are even aware of its existence, with the scheme currently set to end in July 2025.
Kate Prince, senior public affairs manager at Essity, commented: “It is unacceptable that pupils in 2025 are still struggling to access such a fundamental necessity. The Period Product Scheme plays a crucial role, alongside the millions of period products donated by companies like ours, in providing people who menstruate with options that enable them to have a dignified period. First and foremost, we need the Period Product Scheme to be extended but secondly, it needs to be communicated more effectively to schools and to pupils so that the actual benefit of the scheme can be realised.
Essity has been a longstanding supporter of period equity through its partnership with charity In Kind Direct. Since 2002, Essity has donated over 35 million essential hygiene and health products via In Kind Direct’s trusted network of more than 7,000 local community charities throughout the UK. Each year, Essity donates over 1.2 million period products and one million toilet rolls, alongside offering two volunteering days per employee per year.
Kate added: “We encourage consumer goods companies to consider how they can contribute to sustainable societies and communities — whether through donations, educational initiatives, or innovative distribution solutions. Together, we can eliminate the barriers that prevent students from managing their menstrual health with dignity – and make sure no one is held back simply because of their period.”
For more information, visit https://www.essity.com/company/essity-in-the-world/uk-roi/supporting-communities-throughout-the-uk/
