Refugees in the UK are being denied access to period care products, according to a new investigation – how has it come to this?

We aren’t often given a clear picture about what life is like for refugees arriving in the UK today – we see headlines and hear statistics, but much of the process is kept under wraps.

But one thing all women, girls and those who menstruate can understand is the need for suitable period care products when we need them. In fact, for many of us, it is a basic right that we take for granted.

But according to an investigation by menstrual equity charity Bloody Good Period, asylum seekers are given little to no access to period products within Home Office accommodation on arrival in the UK.

As part of its ‘Period Penalty’ campaign, the charity has formed a focus group of people with lived experience of seeking asylum in the UK to hear their stories.

Shockingly, many described instances of being refused the type of period products they need, with others facing barriers accessing washing services to clean linen and bedding during menstruation.

Anna* said: “Some people have a heavy flow and some don’t. They will say this is what we have [a light pad]. The asylum seeker doesn’t want to create more problems – it’s not worth it. You feel like they will pick on you. You speak out – the hotel will tell the Home Office and that you are causing trouble and throw you out of London.”

While nearly 50,000 people seeking asylum are living in temporary or ‘contingency’ accommodation in hotels, it seems that the period care provisions in place are not at all adequate – and with a weekly allowance of £8 given, it’s near-impossible to afford the necessary products.

“Sometimes there were no [period] products,” says Zara*. “They couldn’t provide the products – and we couldn’t afford the products. We’re given £8 or £9 a week for you to live on; we need food and we have all of these things that we need to buy, and period products are not cheap. Also, the transport for us to get to the food banks, as I know that someone may say ‘why not go to the food banks?’… but the transport and the distance for you to go to a food bank and get a product? It’s not that easy.”

Let’s not forget that many of us have specific needs when it comes to our period, such as pads for a heavier flow. Emily adds: “I was given emergency accommodation, and I must say, it can be sad sometimes. We are all different individuals and we all have different ways of how we bleed – nobody has control over the flow of their blood. So when the pads come, most of the time there is no variety. It’s just one way, which doesn’t favour every body.”

With the help of Bloody Good Period, those that have bravely spoken out are calling on the government to address the challenges that people face when accessing period products, menstrual education and support while seeking asylum in the UK.

Emma Defoe, head of operations & activism at the charity, told GLAMOUR: “Period products are essential items. Everyone should consistently be able to access them, alongside the menstrual care and cleaning facilities they need, free from discrimination. The inconsistent conditions in temporary or ‘contingency’ accommodation escalates the deliberately hostile treatment refugees and asylum seekers face from the Home Office, where living conditions actively harm their physical and mental health.”

*Names have been changed.