How you can help young girls who are missing school due to period poverty in Gateshead

Young girls from low income families in Gateshead are missing school because they cannot afford pads and tampons during their period - but there is a way you can help.

Gateshead Council has signed up to support The Red Box Project, which ensures girls have access to necessary sanitary products and underwear, meaning they no longer have to miss out on an education one week of every month.

The project was set up in response to the shocking revelation that young girls who are unable to afford sanitary products were missing school during their period, eventually resulting in lower educational attainment.

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The Red Box Project is looking to local residents to donate sanitary items, tights and underwear for girls aged nine and upwards to a woman's size 22, which will then be given to schools across Gateshead for girls to use free of charge.

Deputy Council Leader Catherine Donovan said: "Because of austerity measures period poverty does exist and we know there are girls in Gateshead who are missing school because they cannot afford these essential items. We are appealing to Gateshead residents to help ensure no girl in Gateshead misses school because of their period."

27% of women or girls missed work or school due to period poverty (Lois York)

Boxes are being delivered to all secondary schools in Gateshead over the coming weeks which will be followed by a roll out to primary schools across Gateshead this year.

If you would like to donate items, please visit one of the Red Box Donation points:

• St Thomas' Church, Wrekenton

• Rutherford Football Club, Lobley Hill

• Lobley Hill Community Centre

• Birtley Library

• Birtley Community Partnership

• Kibblesworth Village Millennium Centre

• St Chad's Community Project, Bensham

• Gateshead Civic Centre

Any organisation that would like to become a donation point should contact Kay Robson at Gateshead Council on 0191 433 2042.

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