STUDENTS at Newcastle College will be able to get free sanitary products discreetly if they cannot afford them, thanks to a new campaign against “period poverty” being launched today.

The local branch of the University and College Union (UCU) said that no student should have to miss college or disrupt their education because they have their period. Sanitary products will be available from student mentors and any student can contact them in confidence.

The sanitary products have been bought by the UCU branch and staff are also being encouraged to donate products to help support the campaign.

A 2017 survey found that one in 10 young women aged 14 to 21 had been unable to afford sanitary products.

It also discovered that 12 per cent of those surveyed had to improvise sanitary wear and one in five had changed to a less suitable sanitary product due to cost.

Melanie Kay of Newcastle College said: “Providing sanitary protection will go a long way to enable women and girls facing real hardship to be able to attend college and be supported without stigma.

“We will be collecting donations of sanitary products from any colleagues who are able to contribute.”