This campaign is an extension of the Period Dignity Campaign started last year involving Olivia Davies (VP Wellbeing and Diversity 24/25, SU President 25/26), Emma Mayhew (Pro Vice Chancellor of Education and Student Experience) and Poppy Coates (Women Student’s Community Officer 24/25).
This campaign is an extension of the Period Dignity Campaign started last year involving Olivia Davies (VP Wellbeing and Diversity 24/25, SU President 25/26), Emma Mayhew (Pro Vice Chancellor of Education and Student Experience) and Poppy Coates (Women Student’s Community Officer 24/25). The Period Dignity campaign has achieved so much in one year, expanding the range of period products available at the SU Shop, introducing 14 new bathroom locations on campus where individuals can access free period products.
This campaign week will be focused on raising awareness and spotlighting the changes that have been made, and what further changes can be implemented to best suit the needs of those who menstruate on campus.
Testimonials
SU President, Olivia
How does the Period Dignity Campaign benefit the Royal Holloway community and why is it so important?
I have had the absolute privilege of working with Poppy on this campaign for the past year and a half and it has been amazing to watch the evolution of this journey from the initial conversation, making all period products in the SU Shop sold at cost value, writing proposal papers, to increasing the buildings where there are free products from 4 to 12. I am so proud of Poppy and proud to have been involved in this journey. Even though it has been incredible to advocate for students it raised the question why this is necessary? Periods are something that is not a choice and individuals cannot control and it’s always crazy to me and really hard to fathom that individuals are financial burdened for something they did not choose to happen. So it is a no brainer that this needs to be a priority for our Royal Holloway community.
With Students all across the UK living in a Cost of Living/Learning crisis with our own Cost of Living survey highlighting that 64% of participants stating they are experiencing increased stress or anxiety relating to financial difficulties. 65% of participants stated that food and household goods are much or slightly more expensive than expected. Therefore, providing free period products in 12 buildings across campus has a positive effect on the Royal Holloway community and shows the importance of this campaign. Alongside the 12 buildings where you can access free period products you can also find free tampons and pads in all four of the Community Cupboards. The Community Cupboards are pantry style cupboards where students can take free food and household goods and are stocked by the SU, the SU Shop, and the University. These are located in Tommy’s Lounge in the SU building, Windsor, Wettons and Shilling Students’ Lounges.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience), Emma Mayhew
How does the Period Dignity Campaign feed into wider University strategy?
Earlier this year, the university worked with the Student Union to introduce free period products across our campus as part of our Period Dignity Campaign.This initiative was designed to do more than offer convenience. It reflected our commitment to the wellbeing of everyone in our community. By placing free products in key locations across campus, we hoped to reduce a source of stress. The campaign also links to our wider position as a university of social purpose. We have consistently worked to make life easier for our students, whether through financial support, wellbeing services, inclusive policies, or practical measures like this one. We hope that each action has contributed to a learning environment where students feel supported, respected, and able to focus on what matters most. This initiative represents just one step in our ongoing commitment to remove barriers and strengthen our community.
Feedback form
Although a significant amount of work has been achieved within the Period Dignity Campaign, we aspire to improve and we want your recommendations and feedback in order to do this. This feedback form is how we aim to gather the thoughts and reflections of those who menstruate and who use these products and facilities, in order to enact further change and improvement. Click the link below to be taken to the feedback form.
Period Dignity Campaign – Fill in form
Maps
Buildings with free period products are now highlighted on the Royal Holloway Egham Campus map which can be found below. (https://intranet.royalholloway.ac.uk/students/assets/docs/pdf/campus-map/202526/egham-campus-map.pdf)
However, we have also provided an adapted version in which the buildings are highlighted to a greater extent.
Videos
Furthermore, Poppy and Olivia made a handy (albeit wet and rainy) video detailing where to find all these products. Go check it out on the RHSU Instagram (@surhul)
Need to be reminded that period products are sold at the SU Shop? At cost value?!! Good job Poppy and Olivia made a video about it (@surhul). Cost value means that the SU makes no profit off the purchase of these products. It also means they are the lowest price they could possible be, meaning more products at the best value for you.
Did you know that you can find free period products in your Community Cupboards too? Olivia explains more in a reel on the SU Instagram (@surhul).
Community Cupboards are pantry-style cupboards filled with non-perishable food and household goods, stocked by RHSU, the SU Shop, and the University, which students now have free and unlimited access to. We launched four cupboards: one in Tommy’s Lounge in the SU Building, one in Windsor Student Lounge, one in Wettons Student Lounge, and one in Shilling Student Lounge. You can also donate to the Community Cupboards as an individual, a club or a society, and there are donation bins in the EWD building and the SU Shop. Any group that donates to the Community Cupboards will receive a badge on their SU page to highlight their contribution.
