Free period products for all
Got your period? We’ve got you covered. Free period products are available to pick up in locations across the city for all.
Where to pick up products
Click on the button below to find your nearest location where you can pick up free products.
School pupils can pick up products from their school.
A new mobile app, PickupMyPeriod, has been launched that will allow users to identify locations across Scotland where period products can be accessed for free and is available on IOS and Android. More information can be found via the Scottish Government website.
Who can pick up products
Everyone. Products are available to anyone that needs them.
Products available
- Sanitary towels
- Tampons
- Menstrual cups (reusable)
- Washable towels (reusable)
- Period Pants
More about tackling period poverty
The ongoing programme, launched initially in 2017, is locally co-ordinated by Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE). Since the introduction of The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act in November 2020, the provision of free period products is now universally available with a legal duty on local authorities to make them available for all who need them.
In addition to offering a range of free products including sanitary towels and tampons the Council and CFINE are committed to raising awareness of reusable products such as menstrual cups and washable towels. A lesson plan has been developed to educate children and young people about reusable products highlighting the benefits such as reducing waste and being more financially viable.
The Scottish Government have distributed funds to each local authority to implement ‘Access to Period Products’ in schools and communities until 31 March 2022. This in addition to the council’s own £40,000 investment in 2019.
A public consultation gathered views on access to free disposable and re-usable sanitary products in Aberdeen.
Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021
The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 requires;
- Local authorities to ensure period products are generally obtainable free of charge
- Education providers ensure that period products are obtainable free of charge for pupils and students
- Specified public service bodies ensure that period products are free of charge for all persons in their premises.
Period products must be obtainable reasonably easily and in a way that respects the dignity of the individual using them. There must also be a choice of different period products available.
Local authorities are required to produce and communicate a Statement on Exercise of Functions to summarise the arrangements in place to meet the legal duties required by the Act. This is available to read below.