Mum awarded funding to aid fight against period poverty
A mum-of-two who has helped nearly 20,000 women in her fight against period poverty, has been awarded funding to expand her charity.
Since Alvina Appleton, 35, of Hammersmith Grove, Hammersmith, founded Flow Happy in 2020, the charity has supported 19,959 women and young girls by providing 223,440 free period products across 12 boroughs.
The charity offers bright pink dispensers which have free tampon and pad options available.
Currently stations are set up in libraries and community centres in Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Barking and Dagenham, Hounslow, Greenwich, Wandsworth, Tower Hamlets and Croydon.
After new funding, the charity will now launch a Period Pop-Up Shop in Shepherds Bush market.
The pop-up, open on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout March, will offer a three-month supply of free and sustainable menstrual products to residents of Hammersmith and Fulham.
There will also be informative displays where visitors can learn about reusable and eco-friendly options, menstrual health, period care and how to help with the campaign.
Ms Appleton said: “We are beyond excited to bring this initiative to life.
“Periods should never be a barrier to education, work, or well-being. This pop-up is a step toward ensuring that everyone who menstruates can access the products they need with dignity.”
According to Flow Happy, one in 10 girls in the UK cannot afford menstrual products, while one in seven struggle to afford them.
Ms Appleton said: “When I looked at the stats, I was completely shocked.
“This became more apparent when working with low-income families whose budget sometimes can’t include menstruation products. I knew I had to do something.”
As a young mother at 22, Ms Appleton struggled to afford basic necessities, including maternity and menstrual pads.
Her personal experience, coupled with her observations while working in the voluntary and community sector for more than 15 years, drove Ms Appleton to create Flow Happy in 2020.
The charity – which also offers educational and support services for women and girls – launched its first corporate partnership with the hotel chain, Novotel Hammersmith, last year.
Looking to the future, Ms Appleton hopes to make the Period Pop-Up Shop a regular feature in Hammersmith and Fulham’s community.
Flow Happy accepts monetary and period product donations to fund its services and future expansion.
Pictured top: Alvina Appleton, founder of Flow Happy (Picture: Alvina Appleton)