21/09/2021
Free Period Products To Be Supplied To All NI Schools
Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, has announced the launch of a scheme to make period products freely available to pupils in primary, secondary, special schools and EOTAS settings.
Minister McIlveen said: "Providing free products will help pupils manage their periods confidently at school, reduce anxiety and stress and enable students to focus on their learning.
"The pilot will also tackle the lack of understanding and the stigma around periods which impacts negatively on young people."
The programme will address the specific needs of the school sector and be supported with curriculum materials and communications by CCEA. Operational support will be provided by the EA.
Period poverty campaigner and Year 14 Strathearn school pupil Ellie Massey said: "I was delighted to be invited to join the Steering Group to oversee the implementation of this important project. Period Dignity is such an important issue to talk about and this project has the potential to have a positive impact on the lives of so many students."
The three-year pilot programme is expected to cost £2.6 million and is being delivered in partnership with the Education Authority (EA), the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) and schools.
Minister McIlveen said: "Providing free products will help pupils manage their periods confidently at school, reduce anxiety and stress and enable students to focus on their learning.
"The pilot will also tackle the lack of understanding and the stigma around periods which impacts negatively on young people."
The programme will address the specific needs of the school sector and be supported with curriculum materials and communications by CCEA. Operational support will be provided by the EA.
Period poverty campaigner and Year 14 Strathearn school pupil Ellie Massey said: "I was delighted to be invited to join the Steering Group to oversee the implementation of this important project. Period Dignity is such an important issue to talk about and this project has the potential to have a positive impact on the lives of so many students."
The three-year pilot programme is expected to cost £2.6 million and is being delivered in partnership with the Education Authority (EA), the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) and schools.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 October 2023
SDLP Calls For Delivery Of Free Period Products In NI
The SDLP has called for the delivery of free period products in Northern Ireland. East Derry MLA Cara Hunter made the call following a Menstruation Matters event at Stormont on Monday, 02 October.
SDLP Calls For Delivery Of Free Period Products In NI
The SDLP has called for the delivery of free period products in Northern Ireland. East Derry MLA Cara Hunter made the call following a Menstruation Matters event at Stormont on Monday, 02 October.
12 October 2021
New Period Products Bill To Be Introduced Into The Assembly
A new Period Products Bill, which aims to address period poverty across Northern Ireland by making free period products available in schools, colleges and all other public buildings, is to be introduced into the Assembly. The Bill, introduced by the SDLP's Pat Catney, is due to undergo its first reading in the Assembly.
New Period Products Bill To Be Introduced Into The Assembly
A new Period Products Bill, which aims to address period poverty across Northern Ireland by making free period products available in schools, colleges and all other public buildings, is to be introduced into the Assembly. The Bill, introduced by the SDLP's Pat Catney, is due to undergo its first reading in the Assembly.
13 May 2024
Free Period Product Introduced Across Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has become only the second place in the world to introduce legislation to provide free period products.
Free Period Product Introduced Across Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has become only the second place in the world to introduce legislation to provide free period products.
14 September 2023
Belfast City Council Wins Prestigious Environmental Award
Environmental charity, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, has awarded Belfast City Council a prestigious award in recognition of its free reusable period products initiative. The council won the Behaviour Change Award for its 'impactful and pioneering' pilot project which tackles single-use plastic.
Belfast City Council Wins Prestigious Environmental Award
Environmental charity, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, has awarded Belfast City Council a prestigious award in recognition of its free reusable period products initiative. The council won the Behaviour Change Award for its 'impactful and pioneering' pilot project which tackles single-use plastic.
29 April 2024
Assembly Approves New Regulations On Free Period Products
The Assembly has approved new regulations to ensure free period products are available to learners and staff at local further education colleges and higher education institutions.
Assembly Approves New Regulations On Free Period Products
The Assembly has approved new regulations to ensure free period products are available to learners and staff at local further education colleges and higher education institutions.