WOMEN throwing a ‘period party’ hope to highlight the inaccessibility of sanitary products for vulnerable people.

Reports show handkerchiefs, toilet paper from McDonald’s and socks are among the items some vulnerable women must turn to when managing their periods.

For homeless women, those fleeing abuse and others living in poverty, sanitary products can be unaffordable.

On Saturday, a ‘period party’ at Stockton's ARC will see volunteers socialise and make up packs of tampons, sanitary towels and knickers to be donated to EVA Women’s Aid and A Way Out, Teesside charities helping vulnerable women.

Organiser Emma Chesworth said: “Charities and foodbanks are always looking for donations of sanitary products and toiletries.

“There are girls and women missing out on education, not going to school because they don’t have access to sanitary products.

“Women don’t choose to have periods and it's a real problem if you’re struggling financially, if you’ve escaped domestic violence or have to choose between eating and buying sanitary products.

“To not have access to tampons or sanitary towels during your period is awful, it doesn't bear thinking about.

“People don’t like to talk about periods but they're an expensive reality for women and girls."