From 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, a total of 1,213,171 single-use period products were distributed through schools, public buildings, and community anchor organisations.

Of this, 862,889 products were distributed through public buildings and community anchor organisations, up 18% from 731,008 the year before.

Councillor Geraldine Woods, Convener of the Communities Committee, said: “This marks a positive step forward in supporting period dignity and reducing barriers for those in need.

“Schools saw a particularly large increase, with 350,282 products distributed, compared to 145,327 in the previous year. This represents a 141% rise and shows growing awareness and use of the initiative among pupils.

“We have great partnerships with eight anchor organisations to make sure support reaches priority communities and individuals who may not be able to access public venues. Through these partnerships, 162,097 single-use items were distributed directly into communities.”

The partner organisations involved are Getting Better Together in Shotts, Newmains Community Trust in Wishaw, Glenboig Development Trust in the Northern Corridor, Cornerstone House in Cumbernauld, Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Trust in Coatbridge, Diamonds in the Community in Airdrie, Health and Wellness Hub in Motherwell, and VIP Arts & Sports Academy in Bellshill.

To support this initiative, a high-profile awareness raising campaign took place across the area including posters and leaflets in public buildings, promoted the initiative at local events, and included a QR code on all promotional materials to help residents find pick-up locations.

In addition, an online campaign ran from October 2024 to March 2025, featuring adverts and animations shared across platforms like Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Google.

These were also shown on plasma screens in leisure centres, schools, and cultural venues. The campaign reached 4.6 million impressions and received 20,000 clicks.

The council’s interactive map of pick-up sites was viewed 32,094 times by 19,297 users, helping people find nearby venues offering free products.

Between October 2024 and January 2025, consultations were held with 31 schools across North Lanarkshire to understand the challenges pupils face in accessing free period products. These meetings helped assess how well the initiative is working and how schools are putting the legislation into practice.

Focus groups with pupils from three high schools also took place. These gave students a chance to share their experiences and helped raise awareness of where products are available, both in schools and in the wider community.

The feedback from these sessions will help shape future plans to make sure the initiative continues to meet the needs of pupils and staff.

During the year, 38 community events were supported with free period products. These included cost-of-living events, NHS National Smile Month, school parents’ evenings, Police Scotland’s Lanarkshire Fun Day, and a Ladies Coffee Morning at North Lanarkshire Mosque in Bellshill.

In February 2025, the council introduced North Lanarkshire Period Dignity Week. This new campaign was designed to run alongside other annual events such as Mental Health Week, Tackling Poverty Week, and Health and Wellbeing Week.

These events help ensure local communities have access to free products and know where to find support and services.

Councillor Geraldine Woods concluded: “North Lanarkshire Council remains committed to promoting period dignity and making sure no one is held back due to lack of access to essential products."