Need free period products?
Pads and tampons cost money, and sometimes there just isn't any spare. That happens to lots of people, and it's nothing to be embarrassed about. Here's where you can get them free.
If you only need something today, the quickest places are usually your school or college, or a Morrisons customer service desk.
Free period products near you
At school or college
In England, state schools and colleges can order free period products for their students. In Wales and Scotland they're free in schools and colleges too.
What to do: ask a teacher you trust, the school nurse, or student services at college. You can just say "Have you got any period products?"
Morrisons: ask for "Sandy"
Morrisons has a scheme called "Package for Sandy" for emergency period products.
What to do: go to the customer service desk and ask for "a package for Sandy" or "a period product pack". You'll be given an envelope with products in it. You don't have to explain anything.
Stores sometimes change what they offer, so if one store doesn't do it, try another or ask at another place on this page.
Scotland
Period products are free for anyone who needs them in Scotland. Councils, libraries, community centres and lots of other places give them out.
What to do: download the PickupMyPeriod app or visit the MyPeriod website to find the nearest place.
Wales
The Welsh Government gives free period products through schools, colleges and community places.
What to do: use the free-product finder on the Bloody Brilliant Wales website.
Northern Ireland
Libraries give out free period products, including mobile libraries. Lidl in Northern Ireland also has a scheme in its Lidl Plus app.
What to do: ask at your local library. For Lidl, download the free Lidl Plus app and sign up, and you can get a monthly coupon for free pads or tampons. This Lidl scheme is only in Northern Ireland.
Other places to ask
- Food banks. Many have period products as well as food.
- Your personal adviser (PA) or leaving care team. If you've been in care, they may be able to help in an emergency, or with money if you're struggling.
- University. Students' unions often give them out free.
- Youth clubs and community centres. Lots keep some in stock.
Making it go further
Reusable products like period pants or a menstrual cup cost more at the start, but can last for years. Some school and college schemes give out period pants too, so it's worth asking.
If money is tight in general, our Money, Budgeting & First Bills pack and the help your council offers care leavers might help.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your GP if your periods are very heavy, very painful, stop for a few months, or are making you feel unwell. Seeing a GP is free. Our Health & Wellbeing pack shows you how to register with one.
Kithstep isn't part of any of these schemes. We list them because they're free and useful. Details checked 6 November 2026. Schemes can change, so check before you make a special trip. Know somewhere we've missed? Tell us at hello@kithstep.co.uk.