Caught Short? Free period and sexual health at Canterbury


 
University is stressful enough, so I wanted to take one worry off your plate. Caught Short? is a Students’ Union scheme that I’ve led on this year, giving you free, discreet access to period products and sexual health products in a pinch. Confidential, no strings attached. 
Lily Ashford, SU President Canterbury 
 

How it works?

  1. Drop in to the SU office on the Canterbury campus. 

  1. Pick up a pack from the student space. 

  1. That’s it. No reason needed, no forms to fill in. 

 

Why I started this...

The SU already offers free condoms through Doink, and I wanted to use that as a way to remind students that we’re a supplier. But Doink delivers to your home address, and not everyone is comfortable with that. So I came up with small packs that live in the student space in our office, where you can collect one quietly at any time. 
I also noticed a gap in free period care on the Canterbury campus. The only free products were in the library, and I felt that didn’t offer the level of discretion people deserve. I also wanted students to be able to find out what’s in the products they use, such as whether they contain harsh chemicals or are sustainable, because that matters to a lot of people. 
 
So the SU teamed up with Mooncup, a brand dedicated to plastic-free, dye-free and biodegradable period products. They very kindly supply the packs free of charge, which means the scheme is free for you and cleaner for the planet. 

 

Free period and sexual health support

  • Free Period: order free period products to your door and pay only for delivery. Open to anyone who needs them. 

  • PickUpMyPeriod app: from the charity My Period. Find over 3,000 free pick-up points across the UK, all publicly accessible. 

  • Doink: free condoms delivered in plain packaging to your home. Available to 16 to 24 year olds in Kent. 

  • SH.UK: order a free home STI test kit, with a guide to what to expect. Post it back in any postbox. 

  • Sexual health clinics: free, confidential and open to everyone, whatever your age, gender, ethnicity or sexuality. Find your nearest clinic online. 

 

Money Support

If you’re finding it hard to afford the essentials, these services are free and independent: 

  • Money Helper: guides, calculators and phone support to help you plan your budget. 

  • StepChange: free debt advice, including help with student budgeting and student loans. 

  • The Trussell Trust: find your nearest food bank, many of which also carry hygiene and sanitary items. 

 

Need More Support?

 

Get in touch

I’d love to hear what you think of the scheme, or any ideas to make it better. You can reach me or Cat, our Student Community Organiser, at: 

You’re also welcome to drop into the SU office for a chat any time.