Period poverty is a issue that needs tackling in today’s colleges.

A survey conducted last year by development charity Plan International 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.

Now, one college will be facing that challenge head on, with students discreetly able to get free sanitary products thanks to donations from a branch of a trade union.

The Newcastle College branch of the University and College Union will donate sanitary products in a bid to alleviate such period poverty.

Newcastle College UCU branch secretary Anya Cook said having your period should not be a barrier to coming to college.

She added: “We want our women and girls to succeed and to be able to attend their classes in comfort and in dignity.

“This campaign will support students who may need help to access sanitary products and ensure that they have every chance of fulfilling their academic potential.”

Newcastle College pastoral support manager Melanie Kay said many students face financial barriers to education, adding: “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.”