Period Positive

New legislation came into force 15th August 2022, meaning local authorities now have a legal duty to have period products available for free.  In West Dunbartonshire, the products have already been available for free within schools for 5 years and community venues for four years.

West Dunbartonshire Council, on the basis of funding made available by the Scottish Government, is working to ensure everyone in West Dunbartonshire who has a period will have convenient access to appropriate products free of charge, as and when they are required, in schools and community venues across the authority.

The aim of the scheme is to help end period poverty and the stigma around this, by making sure everyone who needs these products can pick them up for free at an easily accessible pick up point – with no questions asked.

The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 now requires local authorities to:

• Ensure period products are generally obtainable free of charge;
• Education providers (have) to ensure period products obtainable free of charge by pupils and students; and
• Specified public service bodies (have) to ensure period products are obtainable free of charge by persons in their premises.

Period products must be reasonably easy to obtain and provided in a way that respects the dignity of those obtaining the products. In addition, there must be a reasonable choice of different products available.

Local Authorities have published a written Statement of Provision in 2022 describing their plans for provision in their local areas. West Dunbartonshire Council's Statement of Provision was prepared in consultation with relevant individuals, groups and organisations.

This consultation sought information to inform decisions about:

• The way products may be made available;
• The types of products required;
• the premises where the products will be available;
• The location of products in those premises. 

West Dunbartonshire Council Statement of Community Based Provision

Community Access to Period Products Consultation report

Everyone!

We do not ask for any proof of identity or income details.

Our products are available at no cost to all residents and those who work in or visit West Dunbartonshire.

Providing free products is extremely important

Free products not only help end period poverty, they promote equality. It is overwhelmingly women and girls who have to bear the cost for a biological process that they cannot control.

As well as supporting people on low-incomes, free period products give peace of mind to everyone who has periods. The knowledge that products are there in case you forget them, or start unexpectedly, can be very reassuring. Providing free products ensures all people can menstruate with dignity.

See our list of community venues who currently stock products.

To find out where you can pick up these products, why not download the 'PickupmyPeriod' App.  The app allows users to identify locations across Scotland, where free period products will be available.

• IOS - PickupMyPeriod app
• Android - PickupMyPeriod app

Send us an email at WDPeriodPositive@west-dunbarton.gov.uk if you need additional support to access period products or have any other questions or comments about this service. 

Venues currently stocking free period products

If you are unable to access the website or the app, the list below shows venues currently stocking free period products. Most venues stock these products in the toilets to avoid the need to ask for them.

Working4U manage the community provision of period products in West Dunbartonshire.  If you have any questions, or if you wish to provide feedback on this service, please contact us at WDPeriodPositive@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.

Our current supplier has some useful education resources relating to periods for individuals, parents or teachers.