Kingston Charitable Foundation (KCF) has launched a Period Poverty Grants Programme to provide sanitary products for local women and girls who struggle to afford them.

In Kingston upon Thames, an estimated 5,821 women and girls struggle to afford period products each month. 

Dr Kate Kenyon, founder of RBKares, said in a video posted by the KCF on X, formerly Twitter: "It is a basic human right to have period products."

The average spend on sanitary products is £120 a year, according to the charity Bloody Good Period. 

With 10 grants of £250 each available, KCF aim to support grassroots community groups, charities and non-profit organisations whose service users would benefit from free sanitary products in the borough.

Hosting a monthly 'Wellbeing Day' in Norbiton, among the services Dr Kenyon supplied period products. She said: "The accidents that can happen when people don't have the right products, the loss of confidence and embarrassment, it can completely destroy someone." 

There is significant evidence of the widespread adverse impact of periods on attendance in education and at work. 

Dr Kenyon added: "It is really important there is dignity, there is a good range [of products] and all age groups feel comfortable to ask for something." 

A poll from Plan International reveals that over a quarter (28%) of girls aged 14-21 in the UK are struggling to afford period products, and nearly 1-in-5 (19%) report being unable to afford period products at all since the start of 2022 

Applications close 30 November. To apply, click here.