The idea is that they then distribute the items among the girls.

The SHARE team has said it is delighted to do so, and that this gives a "wider choice of reusable period products to Year 11 students". They called the donation "generous" and said it will "offer Year 11s a choice of menstrual cups, period pants or environmentally friendly disposable products".

It's hoped that this will go some way to encouraging the girls to look at resuable products while also tackling some instances of period poverty in the island.

Pictured: Period poverty is now recognised as an issue affecting many young girls and women.

SHARE is aware that while period poverty had previously been seen as an external issue affecting lower income countries, more affluent jurisdictions, such as Guernsey, are not immune to the issues.

The team has been providing products to girls, as part of its work in schools, since October 2019.

Amanda Evans, PSHCE Adviser for Education Inclusion Service, said:

“The SHARE team are delighted that Bright Tights, a local charity that has supported us since 2019 when we launched this programme, has agreed to donate to the cause again. This will enable the team to purchase a choice of re-usable or environmentally friendly menstrual products for Year 11 students. In the Year 11 SHARE lessons on cancer awareness, the students learn about vulvar care, screening for cancer, the importance of knowing their own bodies and being aware of any changes. The session signposts young people to local help and support, including the Bright Tights charity, so the link between SHARE and Bright Tights is mutually beneficial.”

Pictured: Bright Tights Day was held earlier this month.

Bright Tights is a charity working to raise awareness of female gynaecological cancers while supporting women receiving treatment in practical ways. 

Pat Child, Chair of Bright Tights, said this now extends to raising awareness of female health among younger girls and women.

“The committee of Bright Tights is delighted to continue working with the Sexual Health and Relationship Educators who provide such a valuable service to students in Guernsey. Bright Tights is a local charity which aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of Gynaecological Cancers, provide practical, financial and emotional support to women in the Bailiwick diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer (womb, ovaries, vulva, vagina and cervix). It also supports research into better detection and improved treatment of gynaecological cancers. Our charity links perfectly to the Year 11 cancer awareness session that SHARE delivers so we are pleased to be able to fund a range of sustainable period products for this year group.”