Sanitary products will be available across schools and colleges in England from next week.
The government has announced the new scheme in a bid to combat period poverty after campaigners called for action for girls, mostly from low-income families, who are forced to miss school classes during their periodsas they're unable to afford sanitary products.
The scheme will ensure that this doesn't happen, while also breaking down stigmasurrounding menstruation, according to the Department for Education.
Michelle Donelan, children and families minister, said, 'Periods are a normal part of everyday life and we do not want young people missing out on lessons because of them.
'We know that it is not easy for everyone to access period products where and when they need them.
'This scheme will deal with those problems so young people can go about their daily lives without getting caught out if they have come on their period unexpectedly, forgotten to bring products with them or if they can't afford the products they need.'
It comes after a recent survey found that 42% of 14 to 21-year-olds in the UK said they had been forced to use makeshift sanitary products, including socks and paper as emergency replacements.
Amika George, the founder of Free Periods,began campaigning to end period poverty in 2017.
Speaking of the new scheme, she said, 'As a grassroots, student-led movement, Free Periods has been fighting for every single child in this country to be able to go to school without worrying about their next pad or tampon.
'For the first time in history, this scheme will ensure that becomes a reality.'
This UK follows in the footsteps of Scotland, who made sanitary products available in schools, colleges and universities across the country in 2018.
Wales also followed suit last year, offering free products to all state schools and colleges.
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