Lidl NI offering free period products to customers in need

Since April, Lidl NI has also been making regular donations of sanitary wear to the Simon Community Northern Ireland to ensure people experiencing homelessness - who may not have access to a smartphone - can access these essential products. 

Period poverty is described as the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, toilets, hand washing facilities, and, or, waste management, and is a growing issue in Northern Ireland which has become more prevalent since the Covid-19 pandemic.

A survey by equality charity Plan International UK recently found that more than a third (36%) of girls aged 14-21 in the UK have struggled to afford or access period products during the Coronavirus pandemic - up a fifth on last year. 

Katrina McDonnell, Founder of Homeless Period Belfast, Conor Boyle, Regional Director of Lidl Northern Ireland and Brian Shanks from the Simon Community Northern Ireland.

Conor Boyle, Regional Director at Lidl Northern Ireland said he is very proud of the new launch. 

"It’s been sobering to learn the full extent of period poverty within Northern Ireland and to understand the level of support required to those in need.

"Access to safe, effective and hygienic period products is a basic right for those who menstruate and it’s shocking to hear that many are having to rely on local charities or less than suitable alternative materials to provide this.

"As a family retailer very much embedded in our local communities, we know we have a critical role to play in helping tackle this issue.

"I’m delighted that Lidl Northern Ireland is the first supermarket to introduce such a scheme and to further support our communities by opening up access to essential period products for all of our customers.

"In working with the Simon Community Northern Ireland, we’re also continuing to provide monthly donations to ensure those harder to reach groups are also supported.”

Conor Boyle, Regional Director at Lidl NI

Katrina McDonnell, Founder of Homeless Period Belfast, said:

“Since establishing The Homeless Period Belfast in 2016, we’ve distributed thousands of period care packs to those in need of period wear.

"We support a wide range of people in need, from rough sleepers and the homeless, to people who depend on foodbanks, refugees and asylum seekers to teenagers living in poverty and community youth groups.

"Period poverty is a very real issue for many across Northern Ireland. Last year, we experienced three times the usual demand for our period packs and this is only increasing.

"No one should have to experience a period without a supply of suitable period products. It’s important that we continue to shine a light on the issue and encourage conversations around it to break the taboo that surrounds menstruation.

"I’m thrilled to see Lidl Northern Ireland leading the way in tackling this issue head on.

"It’s really encouraging to see a major business like Lidl recognise the role they can play in helping eradicate period poverty and to take action to support disadvantaged people in the long-term.

"I hope that today’s announcement paves the way for other retailers to follow suit and join the fight to end period poverty in Northern Ireland.”

Meanwhile, Brian Shanks from the Simon Community Northern Ireland said, “The announcement by Lidl Northern Ireland to provide regular access to free period products is hugely significant and a real step forward in the fight to end period poverty here. 

"Access to sanitary products can be particularly challenging for people experiencing homelessness and Lidl Northern Ireland’s continued, regular donations to our services will improve our supply of these essential items.

"For those in need, this new initiative means greater access to sanitary products when they need them and I commend Lidl Northern Ireland for taking the lead in tackling this issue head on.”