I've raised £1000 to support the running costs of projects across the UK - ensuring that coordinators can continue working to support young people in education.
Organised by Anna Miles
Story
A nationwide, community funded initiative to ensure that no young woman misses school because she has her period and lacks access to sanitary products.
The Red Box Project encourages individuals in the local community to sponsor a Red Box in a school near them, working together to keep it filled with sanitary towels and spare underwear.
The box is easily accessible through an appropriate member of staff and plain bags are included for discretion. Posters placed in the girls' lavatories signpost the box, its content and location. Leaflets are provided for both the pupil and the teacher which gives a thorough overview and understanding about the purpose of The Red Box Project. Open discussions are encouraged between the teacher and pupil about the subject of periods and where the Red Box is situated in the school.
Overstretched teachers already take on the responsibility of helping pupils in need and schools keep small stocks of sanitary items for emergencies. The problem is that limited budgets mean they are usually able to hand out just a couple at a time.
The Red Box supports young people throughout their period with as many sanitary products as they need plus the added reassurance of a few left over to prevent a panic next month. We are mindful that periods happen during the school holidays and pupils are encouraged to take extra during this time too. Coordinators also place a red box in appropriate settings such as youth clubs and church halls which are accessible all year round. This is what makes the project special.
No tearful panics in the loo. No wadded up toilet roll. No anxious embarrassment. No missed lessons or staying at home. No missed education.
The Red Box Project is entirely funded by community kindness and focused solely on supporting young people. It is designed to be a simple, no frills scheme to meet a need with minimal fuss.
The project started in Portsmouth 18 months ago. Today, there are over 800 active red boxes across the UK and 2 in the US.
A spokesperson for the Project said:
"A young person's education will shape their future. We are determined that this will be the last generation of young people to suffer the indignity and embarrassment of period poverty."
For more information visit us on:
Visit our website :
To coordinate or support a Red Box please contact us:
Thank you so much for your support
