IMI Site
Related Articles
The LEEDS station now offers free sanitary products to those in need, with new vending machines in the washrooms.
Network Rail launched the initiative to help fight menstrual poverty, after a survey found that 10 percent of girls could not afford hygiene products. Passengers and station users can collect their towels and tampons from the new vending machines in the ladies’ washrooms and accessible in the main hall and on the platforms.
It is hoped that access to free products will help passengers travel with dignity and confidence. Earlier this year, the station also opened its Changing Places facility – toilets for people with severe and multiple disabilities – to help make train travel more accessible.
Maxine Joicey, Station Customer Experience Manager for Network Rail’s North and East Routes, said: “This new initiative, combined with other recent improvements in accessibility at the station, is a huge step forward. the right way. We want everyone to feel welcome at Leeds station. This is why we are offering free access to period products which we hope will allow our passengers – or anyone else in need – to travel by train or explore Leeds city in complete safety. confidence.
Menstrual poverty is when a person has difficulty or is unable to access health products due to financial constraints, with periods costing an average of £ 128 per year, or £ 10 per month2. It is a problem that affects women, girls and menstruating people all over the world.
Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Chief and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education at Leeds City Council, said: “Poverty at times is something that no one should have to experience and we welcome this. Network Rail initiative; it builds on the Leeds City Council’s previous work with schools to provide free sanitation products across a variety of locations and arrangements, and also helps fight the stigma around periods and periods poverty .
