Free period products
Libraries are your go-to place for free period products in Falkirk. They stock a wide range of period products meaning you can collect products in bulk. Whether you're stocking up for yourself, your family, or someone else, libraries have you covered — no questions asked.
Products are also available in a wide range of public buildings in smaller quantities near you, including:
- Sports and leisure centres
- Healthcare centres and GP practices
- Community centres
- Third sector and voluntary organisations
Home delivery
If you're unable to access products in one of these places and consider yourself to have a disability, you can request home delivery. Please note:
- This service is only available if you live in our Falkirk Council area
- A delivery charge applies unless you receive Council Tax Reduction or are exempt from Council Tax as a care leaver
Product supplier: Grace and Green
If you have any questions about this provision or wish to provide feedback, please contact fairerfalkirk@falkirk.gov.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Why have home deliveries stopped?
The way we’re funded by the Scottish Government to provide free period products has changed. Because of this, we’ve had to adjust how the service works to make sure products are still available when you need them. We’re now focusing on making products available through collection points. Home delivery is only available if you consider yourself to have a disability that means you can’t access products at one of our collection points.
How much can I take from collection points?
Take however much you think you’ll need. This could be enough to last a few months at a time.
Can I order Reusable Pants?
We don’t stock reusable pants at our collection points. However, other reusable products are available such as reusable pads and the menstrual cup.
How do I wash reusable products?
Each reusable product comes with information inside on how to care for the item and how to clean it.
Can I take some products for a family member or friend at collection points?
Yes! We encourage you to take products for yourself or someone you know who needs them e.g. a family member or friend. Please also let your family and friends know about our collection points. If you know someone who can’t visit collection points as they consider themselves unable to do so due to a disability, they can order online.
Do you have any carrier bags I can use?
Brown paper bags are available at collection points. However, we encourage you to bring your own bag if you can.
Who qualifies for the new home delivery service?
If you consider yourself to have a disability and feel unable to visit one of our collection points, you can order online for home delivery. You must also live in Falkirk to qualify. We don’t provide free period products to anyone outwith the Falkirk area.
Why is there now a delivery fee?
We introduced this change to help cover the cost of postage. This is set at £3.50. If you are on a low income and qualify for Council Tax Reduction or you’re exempt from paying Council Tax as a care leaver, you don’t have to pay the charge.
Who do I contact if I have further questions or want to complain?
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at fairerfalkirk@falkirk.gov.uk
Free period products: Statement of provision
The aim of the scheme is to help end period poverty and the stigma around this, by making sure everyone who needs these products can pick them up for free at an easily accessible pick up point – with no questions asked.
The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 now requires local authorities to:
- Ensure period products are generally obtainable free of charge
- Education providers (have) to ensure period products obtainable free of charge by pupils and students; and
- Specified public service bodies (have) to ensure period products are obtainable free of charge by persons in their premises.
Actions planned as a result of the consultation
Between November 2021 and January 2022 we consulted with people about the provision of Free Period Products in Falkirk. Respondents, for the most part, supported the approach we are taking and are in favour of online and broader community access.
Communications
In order to respond to the view that the main barrier to access products is not knowing where to obtain the products, we will raise awareness of the service by continuing to promote the service to communities across the Falkirk area. We will also publicise reusable free period product options to obtain a wider uptake.
This will include promotion on social media, Falkirk Council website and promoting the period product map.
Available products
We will provide a range of products, including:
- Disposable pads, tampons and menstrual cups - these will be available in community and council buildings
- Disposable products and re-usable products, including period pants, menstrual cups and period pads will continue to be made available online.
- Continuing to provide period products in all primary, secondary and additional support needs schools across Falkirk
Methods for obtaining products
Products will be available within local premises. This includes schools, community locations, council offices and GP surgeries. Our list of locations will be reviewed on an annual basis.
- Those accessing the products can order or take as many or as few of the products as required.
- Online orders will be delivered directly from the supplier (Hey Girls).
- We will aim to expand provision of products in GP surgeries across Falkirk.
Service review
We will review and renew the service consultation every 2 years and use this to inform future provision.