Free period products now available countywide

We have partnered with Hey Girls – a UK period product social enterprise – to provide both reusable, and organic and sustainable disposable products for anyone who needs them. No questions asked.

Period equality for all

Everyone deserves to have the essentials they need and having access to period products is so important for people’s mental and physical health, their wellbeing and future.

In 2023, Action Aid found that 21% were struggling to afford period products – an increase of nearly 10 per cent in just a year. This is a trend that is even higher among younger age groups.

Being able to access period products at school, work or in a public place free of charge could be the difference for some between staying at home or being able to go to school, work, exercise, socialise and more.

We want to tackle this inequality and providing free products in safe, trusted spaces like our libraries and offices is a great step in making Oxfordshire greener, fairer, and healthier county for everyone.

Take what you need

People are welcome to take what they need for themselves, their friends and family.

There are full packs of organic, sustainable pads and tampons at all locations, and reusable cups in two sizes at Banbury and Oxford Westgate libraries.

Clear signage within libraries and offices will explain where to find the products so people can help themselves, without needing to ask anyone.

Council offices

For colleagues, products are available in our larger offices – County Hall, Samuelson House, Ron Groves House Offices, Kidlington Library Office, Mount House, Holton Park Libraries, Westgate Library, Barton End Office and Rewley Road Fire Station, Union Street and Didcot Children’s Centre. Posters in these buildings will display where to find the products.

Anyone who doesn’t work in these offices can access the packs at the 18 libraries or larger offices.

As well as the packs in libraries, products will be provided to people who need them through eight children and family centres.

The trial will help us understand period product provision for Oxfordshire and allow for a proposal for long-term provision to be put forward in our 2025/2026 budget.

More information can be found Here