We need your help to fight period poverty
23 September 2026
Across our services, we work with young people of all ages who are faced with numerous barriers in their lives. We want to reduce these barriers, and one of the ways we can do so is by providing them with access to period products.
According to international charity ActionAid UK, last year “more than one in ten (11%) women and people who menstruate struggled to afford period products” (2026). As the research goes further, it was revealed that many of these women (36% be exact) resort to using their pads or tampons for longer. This greatly increases risk of infection. This ‘quick fix’ isn’t always an option for those struggling with conditions that cause heavier bleeding, who have no choice but to replace their products more frequently than most women. The same article stated that many women are using DIY products, ‘with more than a quarter (27%) using tissues or cotton wool and 6% using paper or newspaper instead’ (ActionAid UK, 2026).
The young people who come to us, whether through our youth work or supported housing, are at a higher risk of facing period poverty. Many of our young people are already struggling with school pressures, family life and even homelessness. Here at YMCA Brunel Group, this could look like:
- A new Thrive 16+ resident who has just left the care system and has arrived with her things in a bin bag.
- A young carer who spends their time caring for a family member, often a parent
- A 15-year-old girl who brings their only warm meal of the day home to their family after youth club
- A 17-year-old who has been kicked out of home and needs emergency accommodation
These young people have enough to worry about. Affordable period products shouldn’t be added to those worries.
How you can help
We are placing collection boxes in some of our locations so that we can collect period products and share them out to our supported housing and youth clubs. We are also collecting monetary donations which will go towards period products and safe pain relief methods.
Where to find collection boxes:
The Bristol Wing – we will have a collection box set up in our reception area of The Bristol Wing. To gain access, press the buzzer and let them know you are there to drop off period products.
Address: 9 Bridewell St, Bristol BS1 2QD
YMCA Bath Gym – we will have a collection box set up in our Health & Wellbeing centre, which is downstairs in the YMCA Bath Hostel. Head through the main doors and you’ll see the door to the gym just ahead.
Address: YMCA Bath Hostel, International House, Broad Street Place, Bath BA1 5LH
Alternatively, you can leave a donation on our website
If you want to find out more, or get in touch for any reason regarding our Period Poverty campaign, please reach out to Marketing@ymca-bg.org
References:
Action Aid UK: https://www.actionaid.org.uk/latest-news/new-uk-period-poverty-poll-one-10-struggle-afford-period-products