Share the Dignity vending machine in Launceston supports people living with period poverty.
Family Planning Tasmania in Launceston is excited to announce their partnership with Share the Dignity, a charity organisation committed to ending period poverty in Australia. As part of this partnership, a period product vending machine has been installed at our Launceston location to provide free access to menstraul hygiene products for anyone who needs them.
Period poverty is a serious issue in Australia, with many people unable to afford basic menstrual hygiene products. This can lead to missed days of work or school, social isolation, and even health problems.
By providing free access to these products, we hope to help tackle this issue and make a real difference in the lives of those affected by period poverty.
The vending machine is simple to use, with one pack of six pads and two tampons dispensed every ten minutes at no cost. No questions are asked, and anyone in Launceston can use the machine, regardless of whether or not they are a clinic patient or access our services. We are proud to be able to offer this service to our community and help ensure that everyone has access to the menstrual hygiene products they need.
As part of our application for partnership and installing the vending machine, we had to demonstrate the need for free period products at our clinic. The need was clear given that 98% of our patients identify as women and over half are concession card holders. The machine is installed in a private bathroom and is automatically restocked by Share the Dignity when it runs low.
We encourage everyone to spread the word about the vending machine and its free period products. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against period poverty in Australia.
To learn more about Share the Dignity and their mission to end period poverty, please visit the Share the Dignity website here >>
We also provide condoms free-of-charge at all three of our locations. The condoms are available on a help-yourself basis, so people can pop into our clinic and get a supply of condoms, no questions asked.
