End Period Poverty – Where to find free sanitary products in Blackburn and Darwen

Published Friday 18 August 2023 at 16:56

The cost of living crisis is still having an effect on all of us, and many of us are struggling to afford some of the most vital products we need. 

This includes period and sanitary products, which

people who have periods need every month but can be expensive if you’re struggling for money. 

The Council’s Public Health team have taken action to make sure everyone who needs to has access to period products when they need them. 

There are community centres, youth centres, charities and shops in both Blackburn and Darwen where you can pick up period products – completely free. 

Just look out for the purple and white sticker in windows of these venues: 

  • Young People’s Services – Kaleidoscope Youth Centre, Lindisfarne Avenue, Blackburn 
  • Shadsworth Hub, Rothesay Road, Blackburn 
  • Mill Hill Community Centre, New Chapel Street, Blackburn  
  • Little Harwood Community Centre, Whalley Old Road, Blackburn  
  • Ivy Street Community Centre, Ivy Close, Blackburn  
  • Greenfields Community Centre, Green Lane, Blackburn  
  • Energy Zone, Fishmoor Drive, Blackburn  
  • Darwen Valley Community Centre, Sudellside Street,Darwen  
  • Accrington Road Community Centre, Accrington Road, Blackburn  
  • Bangor Street Community Centre, Norwich Street, Blackburn  
  • Rummage Rescuers CIC, Harrison Street, Whalley Banks, Blackburn  
  • Blackburn Youth Zone, Jubilee Street, Blackburn  
  • Blackburn College, Feilden Street, Blackburn – available for students 
  • Brook Blackburn, Darwen Street, Blackburn – available for service users 
  • Morrison’s, Railway Road, Blackburn – available for customers at the service desk – ask for ‘Sandy’ 
  • The Mall, Church Street, Blackburn – available at the help desk when you ask for a ‘package for Florence’ 

Depending on the venue, these will be in toilets or you can discreetly ask someone for the products.  

Access to these products is vital for basic human rights and dignity, and we hope this will make a big difference to the lives of people who need them. 

 

Cllr Julie Gunn, Executive member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We know that the cost of living crisis is forcing some people to choose between heating and eating, but for many there is the added stress of finding the money for period products which are absolutely vital. 

“I hope this will make a big difference in the lives of people who have periods who need these products. This is about human rights and dignity and I would urge anyone who needs to, to go along to their nearest venue offering these and ask. Please don’t be embarrassed or feel that you can’t ask – this is here for you when you need it most.” 

Cllr Damian Talbot, Executive member for Public Health, Prevention and Wellbeing, said: “I’m really pleased that the Council’s Public Health has been able to take action to address this problem. 

“It is a major issue facing many people who have periods in the borough and I really hope that those who need to can go along to their nearest venue and get their free packs of period products – we are here to help in any way we can.” 

You can also take a look at our handy online map which shows you exactly where you can pick up your free products: www.bit.ly/freesanbwd  

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