A BASINGSTOKE shopping centre is joining the fight against period poverty by launching a new ‘Package For’ initiative.

Festival Place has joined with local charity All Yours to launch the scheme on Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28).

The period packages will be available to collect from the Customer Lounge, Lush, The Body Shop, Apricot, Festival Street Kitchen, New Look, and Basingstoke Discovery Centre.

Anyone unable to afford or access period products is urged to ask for a parcel – if they would like to be more discreet, they can say they are collecting a Package for Sam.

Packages are free, and no questions will be asked.

An All Yours leaflet will be included in every package, detailing the work the charity does to provide long-term support for those in need. There will also be a donation bin in the Customer Lounge.

Caroline Herman, founder of All Yours Period Box, said: "All Yours are delighted to be able to partner with Festival Place and help them deliver their period dignity scheme within the centre.

“It is vital to recognise and support the importance of menstrual health within the local community and this is a great scheme for doing just that."

Sian Fisher, events and community manager at Festival Place, said: “It’s a basic right for people to have access to these essential products and the thought that there are people unable to afford them is heartbreaking.

“We at FP are delighted to join with fantastic local charity All Yours to help raise awareness of the importance of menstrual care and make period products available to all those who need them.

“I would also like to thank all our local retailers for helping us make these products available.

“Our team is ready to help, and I would urge anyone in need to use this new service. They are welcome to come back as many times as they need.”

For more information visit festivalplace.co.uk and periodbox.uk/request-an-all-yours-box.