In November last year, MSPs unanimously approved the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill and there is now a legal duty on local authorities, like Renfrewshire Council, to ensure that free items such as tampons and sanitary pads are available to anyone who would need them.
Free period products are available through several channels throughout Renfrewshire and the information for where you can pick them up is listed below.
However, given the current restrictions and closures caused by coronavirus (COVID-19), the best way to obtain period products, at this time, is either online or by phone call.
Natalie Don, who is SNP candidate for Renfrewshire North & West and current Councillor for Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, told Renfrewshire News: “Basic sanitary provision is a right and it is unacceptable that anyone should suffer the embarrassment and distress caused by period poverty. I am proud that here in Renfrewshire, sanitary products are available freely to anyone who needs them.
“Under normal circumstances, sanitary products are freely available across our schools. Renfrewshire Leisure community halls and venues and various community organisations however, due to current Covid-19 guidelines and closures, residents in Renfrewshire can order free sanitary products from Renfrewshire Council either online or over the phone.
“I would encourage anyone who needs to, to use this service. Don’t be embarrassed. These products are there for those that need them and I wouldn’t want anyone having to sacrifice other essential items for sanitary products when they are freely available.“
The easiest way is to fill in a form on the Council website here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PMGZ5HD. Once complete, a 3-month supply of products will be posted to your home address. This can take up to 2 weeks to arrive, so please be aware of this when you order and try to order in advance if you can.
You can also call 0300 300 0230 and let them know you need to order period products. They will take your name, address and number and call you back within 24 hours for details of your order. This will then be delivered to you within 48 hours.
Free period products are also available from some community groups and public venues. Again, however, given current coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, some of these places may not currently be open or operating as normal, so access to supplies may also be restricted.
If you can access one of the venues, the products are available in toilets and accessible toilets in each of the venues listed below.
Venue Address
Renfrew Town Hall Renfrew Cross, Renfrew, PA4 8PF
Johnstone Town Hall 25 Church St, Johnstone PA5 8EG
Tweedie Hall & Linwood Library Ardlamont Square, Bridge Street, Linwood, PA3 3DB
Paisley Arts Centre 15 New St, Paisley PA1 1EZ
Bishopton Community Library 11 Greenock Road, Bishopton, PA7 5JW
Erskine Library Bridgewater Place, Erskine, PA8 7AA
Ferguslie Park Community Library Tannahill Centre, Blackstoun Road, Paisley, PA3 1NT
Glenburn Community Centre & Library Fairway Avenue, Paisley, PA2 8DX
Lochwinnoch Community Library Old School, High Street, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4AB
Ralston Community Centre & Library Allanton Avenue, Paisley, PA1 3BL
Renfrew Library Paisley Road, Renfrew, PA4 8LJ
Cargill Hall & Library Lintwhite Crescent, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3LJ
Foxbar Community Centre & Library Ivanhoe Road, Paisley, PA2 0JX
Ferguslie Park Sports Hub & Playing Fields Blackstoun Road, Paisley, PA3 1EX
Ralston Community Sports Hub & Playing Fields Penilee Road,Paisley, PA1 3AX
Lagoon Leisure Centre Christie St, Paisley, PA1 1NB
ON-X Leisure Centre Brediland Rd, Linwood, PA3 3RA
Johnstone Sports Centre Beith Rd, Johnstone, PA5 0JA
Renfrew Sports Centre Paisley Rd, Renfrew, PA4 8JL
Renfrew Victory Baths Inchinnan Rd, Renfrew, PA4 8ND
Erskine Sports Centre Kilpatrick Dr, Erskine, PA8 7AF
Erskine Swimming Pool Bridgewater Centre, Erskine, PA8 7AA
Robertson Centre (1st floor only) 16 Glasgow Rd, Paisley PA1 3QF
Seedhill Sports Centre Seedhill Road, Paisley, PA1 1QR
Renfrewshire House (Atrium) Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1AN
Community organisations
Products are available from the following community organisations, although some may only be able to supply current service users. Please call ahead to enquire about period products if possible.
Community Organisation Address & Contact Info
Active Communities 16 Quarry St, Johnstone, PA5 8DZ
Open Mon – Thur, 10am – 2pm. During Coronavirus restrictions call 01505 228643 or text 07385744665 to arrange a pick up time.
Kairos 8 Quarry St, Johnstone, PA5 8DZ
For service users only at present.
Paisley YMCA Makerspace 14 William Street, Paisley, PA1 2LZ
Open Mon – Fri, 5pm – 8pm. During Coronavirus restrictions call 0141 471 4404 in advance.
RAMH Restore 24 Causeyside Street, Paisley, PA1 1UN
Open Fri & Sat, 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm.
Remode 43b High Street, Paisley, PA1 2AH
Open Tue – Sat, 10am – 4pm
Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice Bureau 7 Glasgow Road, Paisley, PA1 3QS
Open Mon – Thurs, 10am – 4pm
Renfrew YMCA For service users only at present.
Russell Institute 30 Causeyside Street, Paisley, PA1 1UN
For service users only at present.
STAR Project 12 – 14 Wallace Street, PA3 2BU
Call 0141 889 5850 to arrange a pick up time.
If you are a community organisation and want to be involved, please contact diane.dunn@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
(Originally published by Renfrewshire News)
