The Empower Period Programme South Yorkshire
On 25th July we were delighted to be joined by Sheffield Lord Mayor, Sioned-Mair Richards and Lord Mayoress, Jaqueline Satur, to launch our Empower Period Programme South Yorkshire.
The programme enables young champions to lead action for period equality in their own communities and we’re delighted to be working with the following amazing partners:
Ship Shape community hub– we’re working with four champions to create a special space within Ship Shape’s community building where girls can access free period products and peer support.
Adira– is a survivor-led mental health charity supporting black women and girls. We’re working with their community to create resources and deliver events to promote menstrual and mental health and wellbeing- including free period products, toiletries and pampering.
Chula Education support young people across Sheffield to take action on gender equality issues. We’ve paired them up with youth-led campaign group, Power Over Periods, to engage schools in becoming more period positive.
Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association are working with us to help their coaches support young people to feel comfortable and confidence playing sport when they start their periods.
We’re incredibly grateful to Australian reusable period pant company, Modi Bodi, for kindly donating 3,000 packs of period underwear and some funding to support training and networking for a further 10 local organisations working with us to address period poverty in their services, as part of the wider programme. Plus, none of it would be possible without generous support from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, Sheffield Town Trust, and People’s Postcode Lottery.
Finally a big thank you to Voluntary Action Sheffield and Sheffield City Council for all their ongoing help to make sure this programme has as wide an impact as possible.
You can meet some of our amazing Period Equality Champions below and watch this space for updates on their work.
P.S. If you’re a group or organisation in need of free period products you can order them here: https://www.irise.org.uk/free-period-products
“I think the current issues facing young people when it comes to periods is the stigma and lack of role models for anyone experiencing periods. Also the lack of effective education about periods from an intersectional point of view leading to conversation barriers between the sexes. Period poverty is a problem for both men and women and non binaries. I feel this is a great opportunity to further our work and progress made with our campaign Power over Periods. I also believe that giving young people a platform and role models to talk and relate to further helps to end stigmas around periods. Finally I am super passionate about social change and believe my enthusiasm for the cause could really aid this! I hope that in my role as Period champion I will be a role model for young people teaching them that there is absolutely no shame in speaking openly about their period.”
Caitlin, Power Over Periods
“I chose to become a period champion because I want to educate myself on how to better support those less aware in the community and help tackle period poverty as well as advocate for those who don’t have a voice in the community. The current issues facing young people when it comes to periods is the lack of education and knowledge about the emotional and scientific mechanics of a period. In addition there is lack of knowledge on products and services available and cultural/religious prejudices and thoughts in regards to periods. I hope in my role as a period champion more education and knowledge on how to apply myself in the community to support issues around periods for example changing negative perceptions and making periods accepted in a positive light.”
Eunice Nanevie, Adira
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