5 The issue of Period Poverty and how it can best be addressed PDF 104 KB
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Minutes:
Andrea Smith, Public Health Specialist
presented a report, providing an outline of the issue of period
poverty and how engagement with the national government taskforce
would further support a collaborative approach across
Lancashire.
It was explained that the council were
currently awaiting the outcome of the government taskforce
recommendations before formulating its response.
In response to questions it was confirmed
that:
- It was not clear if
the Council's Corporate Communications Group had been requested to
carry out a campaign regarding period poverty or if Lancashire
Youth Zone had been asked to assist in any campaigns or education
programmes. However it was likely that both service areas would be
involved in taking forward the outcome of the government's
taskforce recommendations and a further update would be
provided.
- It would be
beneficial to have a collaborative approach with district councils
and other partners such as the providers of school nursing to the
task force recommendations.
Members made the following observations:
- The link between
period poverty and pupils in receipt of free school meals was
highlighted and a member shared their experience in a school
working with students on formulating a plan on how best to address
the issue. It was suggested that as central government had pledged
funding for both primary and secondary schools an action plan could
be presented to the Schools Forum.
- With regard to
addressing the stigma of period poverty, this should be with regard
to people of all ages and gender.
- Members requested
more specific detail and information to enable measurement of
success. It was confirmed that there was a link within the report
for UK data and that the council would link with other counties to
understand the issues around stigma and lack of knowledge. The
positive work done in local business and groups to raise awareness
was also referenced.
Resolved:
That
- The
Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Members for 'Health and
Wellbeing' and 'Children, Young People and Skills' give
consideration to implement an education programme and campaign to
address the issue of period poverty across all schools in
Lancashire in partnership with Lancashire YouthZone, Lancashire Care Foundation Trust,
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals Trust and VirginCare.
2.
CC Hennessy be appointed as rapporteur to report to the Health
Scrutiny Committee on the activities of the Government's joint
taskforce on period poverty in the UK.
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