FREE sanitary products are now available in the toilets at Renfrewshire Leisure-run town halls, libraries and sports centres as part of a bid to tackle so-called period poverty.

Nearly one in five women in Scotland have experienced not being able to afford the products, with 12 per cent of girls saying they have resorted to using rags and socks during their time of the month.

Funding for the free products has been provided by the Scottish Government.

Michelle Campbell, Renfrewshire Council’s young persons champion, said: “Period poverty affects people across Renfrewshire, with some having to choose between feeding themselves and their families, and buying sanitary products.

“We believe everyone has the right to a dignified life and we want to do everything we can to help anyone who finds themselves facing period poverty.

“Take whatever you need, whenever you need it.”

The council started offering free sanitary products in schools last year and supplies are also available in community groups, including STAR Project.

The distribution of products to community groups is carried out by FareShare.

Heather Kay, project coordinator at STAR Project, said: “We believe no person should have to experience period poverty and therefore make sanitary products available in our toilets. Being able to receive free sanitary products through the Fareshare scheme is fantastic.”

Chairperson of Renfrewshire Leisure, Lisa-Marie Hughes, said: “We share a responsibility to ensure everyone has a decent standard of living and at Renfrewshire Leisure we feel it’s important free sanitary products are easily available.”

Any community groups which would like to receive sanitary products from the council should email linda@moveon.org.uk

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond