HSE Period Dignity Project
Period poverty is when someone can't afford, or access, suitable period products.
The HSE National Social Inclusion office (NSIO) in 2022 instigated a demand led, period dignity scheme. The aim of the project is to reduce period stigma, increase education and distribute free period products.
The NSIO is working with the Department of Health and key stakeholders in the HSE to implement the project.
The scheme provides period products to social inclusion target groups, including Travellers, Roma, international protection applicants, refugees, those experiencing homelessness, addiction services, domestic violence refuges, LGBTI+.
The period dignity scheme aims to progress the key recommendations from the ‘Period Poverty in Ireland’ Report.
As part of the project, HSE Dublin and South East has developed educational resources, including an information booklet titled A Guide to Sexual and Reproductive Health and a leaflet on Period Dignity for all and sexual health information.
Downloadable posters for the scheme are available: