Thousands of women and girls across the county of Midlothian can now access free sanitary products in council public buildings including leisure centres and libraries.
Free period supplies are already available in both primary and secondary school toilets across Midlothian.
Funded by the Scottish Government, the sanitary products will now also be available in 12 council buildings.
The 12 buildings are:
- Danderhall Library
- Lasswade Centre
- Loanhead Centre
- Newbattle Community Campus
- Roslin Library
- Danderhall Leisure Centre
- Gorebridge Leisure Centre
- Newtongrange Leisure Centre
- Penicuik Centre
- Midlothian Snowsports Centre
- Newbattle Community Learning Centre
- Penicuik Town Hall
Speaking on behalf of the council, Councillor Kelly Parry said: “Thousands of women and girls across the UK cannot afford to buy sanitary products.
"Research by the charity Plan International in 2017 suggests that one in 10 girls and women - aged between 14 and 21 - in the UK has been affected at some point.
“Imagine the humiliation and discomfort, not to mention the impact this can have on someone’s education and everyday life?
“I’m proud we, as a council, have embraced this opportunity to extend this initiative beyond schools and to make the products readily available in our public buildings.
“We’d encourage everyone who needs sanitary products to take what they need.”
Initial supplies the products for Midlothian Council schools while Hey Girls! supplies non-education buildings.
The council will be looking at other locations within Midlothian to put more boxes.
For the full list and to find out more visit the council's website here.
