In January, the official scheme to provide all schools and colleges in England with free period products was launched. But just two months later, the coronavirus pandemic led to a nationwide lockdown with widespread school closures. Of course, despite the pandemic, those in need don’t suddenly stop having periods and stop needing period products.
During this time phs has one important message to schools, colleges, teachers and students: WE ARE OPEN!
We recognise closures could mean more young people will face period inequality whether caused by lack of affordability or access issues. That’s why we are still fulfilling every order for fully-funded period products by schools and colleges in England and helping to tackle period inequality.
phs has a significant stock of period products, all funded by the Department for Education, waiting to be claimed. We are actively encouraging schools and colleges to place their orders now to ensure no student suffers from something so fundamental as a lack of access to period products. Remember, these period products are completely free for schools and colleges and with continued, contactless delivery, there is no barrier to accessing these products immediately.
If your school or college hasn’t yet made their order, make sure it does. As a reminder, they will have received an activation email from phs which includes information on how to log on to the portal and order. Pre-loaded with an allocated budget, users can choose from a wide selection of period products including a range of eco-friendly options. To support lockdown safety procedures, contactless delivery is now available alongside the option to divert orders to neighbouring schools or colleges in the event of closures. phs Direct and our delivery partners are, of course, following Government guidelines when delivering these important products.
The campaign for period equality has been long fought. Offering free period products at school and college to young people is a fantastic initiative towards creating period equality but the concern is that mass closures risk the scheme losing momentum and interrupting free access to products for those who need them. We are proud to continue serving schools and colleges with free period products and helping provide access to those who need them.
- For support, schools and colleges can get in touch withphs Direct by emailing periodproducts@phsdirect.co.uk or calling the helpline on 01827 255500. The DfE scheme is open to all state-funded schools and colleges in England.
- Organisations and local authorities not covered by the DfE scheme are advised to contact phs directly to discuss their period product requirements.
- For more information, visit theperiod equality pages on the phs You can also follow @phsGroup on Twitter and phs Group on LinkedIn
