FREE sanitary products will now be available in places all over South Ayrshire thanks to a campaign backed by the council.

South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership has distributed free items to all libraries, housing offices, council buildings and halls, community centres, activity centres and swimming pools, selected public toilets and Customer Service Centres. They will also be available at Ayr Job Centre.

The campaign aims to make products readily available in a range of public places to help tackle the stigma of period poverty. Part of this involves encouraging people to help themselves to the free products or take a ‘wee white bag’ which will contain a small supply of sanitary products.

It supports the Scottish Government’s commitment to increasing the number and variety of locations that provide free essentials for anyone who menstruates.

The products being used to support this campaign are from a company called ‘Hey Girls’, a social enterprise company using sustainable and environmentally safe products.

Councillor Douglas Campbell, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: “South Ayrshire is proud to be supporting this important campaign aimed at challenging the stigma around period poverty.”

Councillor Laura Brennan-Whitefield, Chair of the Equalities Forum said: “This is a positive campaign which will address gender equality and dignity issues that affect all of those who menstruate, regardless of income.”

For a full list of locations, please visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/wee-white-bag/