Manchester Arndale is offering free menstrual products to those who are in need of them. The scheme was launched on International Women’s day in March 2022, and since then, over 600 people have received essential items.
The team at the shopping centre decided to set up the initiative after they learned that 1 in 10 women and girls in the UK can’t afford to buy period products.
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They also found out almost half of all girls miss at least one day of school due to their period.
The shopping centre says it is committed to supporting its local community and decided to provide free period products all year round to help combat period poverty in Manchester.
But how can you take advantage of this free service?
The Arndale has made it pretty easy to get your hands on the free menstrual products, and even offers a discreet way of doing so.
Customers can simply visit the information desk on the lower mall, or ask any member of the Arndale team for a “Package for Ellen”, and they will provide them with a discreet bag.
For anyone wondering “why Ellen?”, the scheme was named after Ellen Wilkinson - suffragette, women’s rights campaigner, and the first female Education Secretary in the British cabinet, as well as a proud Mancunian woman.
Since the launch of the scheme, the Arndale has provided packages to over 600 people.
The ‘Ask for Ellen’ scheme sits alongside many other free or essential services at the Centre, including baby changing areas and feeding rooms, a multi-faith prayer room, free water bottle refills, and free family events.
David Allinson, Centre Director at Manchester Arndale, said: “This initiative has been extremely well-received and we have many positive comments from shoppers regarding the discreet process to collect and the professionalism of our team, which has been important in helping individuals feel comfortable when asking.
“We would encourage other businesses to offer similar schemes if they are able to do so, whether that’s shopping centres, bars, restaurants or other venues.
“It requires a relatively small investment each year, but can have a huge impact on those who use the service.”
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