Solent University student helps end period poverty in Southampton

Stefania David launched her campaign Go With The Flow to help thousands of students freely access period products amid the cost of living crisis.

Stephanie partnered up with Grace & Green, an eco-friendly and organic brand, to supply these products. 

The university has also installed vending machines stocked with these products across different floors of the Spark building. 

Alongside this, baskets full of period products will be available in toilets across other Solent University-owned buildings, such as the Solent Library and St Mary’s campus. 

Stefania also opened up about why she decided to launch this campaign. Stefania David, vice president of education at the Solent Students’ Union (Image: Solent University)

Stefania David, vice president of education at the Solent Students’ Union, says: "Period poverty can affect anyone who menstruates, and access to menstrual products should be an essential, not a luxury. 

"They are an everyday item for anyone who bleeds and must be easily accessible for all. 

"This is not just a potential health risk if people can’t afford to change regularly; it can also mean students’ education and well-being can be affected, and I can’t sit back and watch this happen. 

"No one should be held back because of their period. 

"Students should be focusing on their education, not if they can afford sanitary products this month." 

She added: "The aim of my campaign is to support all students who menstruate and take away the stress of students worrying about if they need to cut back on a food shop or not buy period products this month. 

"I want to thank Grace & Green and Solent University for helping me with this." 

Tampons with and without applicators, pads and organic bamboo liners are also available in the SU Exchange.

The Go With The Flow campaign at Solent Students’ Union is part of the national #EndPeriodPoverty campaign.

More information can be found at www.solentsu.co.uk.