M·E·L Research Publishes Comprehensive Evaluation of Welsh Government’s Period Dignity Grant
M·E·L Research Ltd are pleased to announce the publication of our in-depth evaluation report on the Welsh Government’s Period Dignity Grant. The Welsh Government’s Period Dignity Grant aims to ensure that all individuals in Wales who menstruate can do so with dignity, at a point where issues such as availability, social stigma and product affordability continue to pose challenges. The report sheds light on the grant’s impact on period poverty and dignity since the programme’s inception in 2018, presenting key findings and offering actionable recommendations for the future. We hope it contributes nuanced insights to the national dialogue on period poverty and dignity in Wales.
Sophi Ducie, who led the evaluation for M·E·L Research, said:
“I’m heartened to see the tangible positive impact the Period Dignity Grant has had since its inception. Our report demonstrates that the programme has significantly increased access to period products, particularly for those who often find it challenging. Most notably, we’ve found that simply making these products readily available in convenient locations has alleviated much of the stress and discomfort associated with menstruation, thereby improving overall wellbeing. Moreover, we’ve witnessed a commendable shift in attitudes towards reusable and eco-friendly products. While there are still challenges to address, particularly in reaching underserved communities and breaking down lingering stigmas, our findings point to the real value of the Period Dignity Grant.”
Sophi Ducie, Associate Director – Evaluation
Key Findings
The evaluation revealed that the Period Dignity Grant has succeeded in making period products more accessible to individuals across Wales, including those who usually find it challenging to obtain them. However, the report also identified that underserved communities, particularly grassroots organisations and voluntary groups, need more targeted support.
Enhanced Accessibility: The grant significantly facilitated easier access to period products, especially for those who typically struggle to obtain them. A simple yet effective approach—making products freely available in toilets—proved most beneficial.
Improved Well-being: Recipients, particularly learners and those on low incomes, reported less worry and embarrassment regarding menstruation. The grant has also allowed for more regular changes, reducing concerns about leakage.
Knowledge and Confidence: The initiative has led to a growing acceptance and understanding of reusable and eco-friendly products, although more education is needed to bolster uptake.
Effective Distribution: The grant is largely successful in distributing products and information across schools and Further Education Institutions (FEIs), yet it is critical to extend its reach to community settings, such as grassroots organisations and voluntary groups.
Reduced Stigma: While the grant has helped to lower societal taboos around menstruation, there are still lingering stigmas that need to be addressed, particularly within the household.
Recommendations
The report provides recommendations for both the Welsh Government and organisations involved:
For the Welsh Government:
Identify and establish connections with local community networks and grassroots organisations to ensure the grant benefits the most vulnerable sectors.
Increase the flexibility in allocation and spending of grant funds to allow for carry-over and a broader use of the funds on educational materials within a specified financial year.
Given the escalating resources needed to manage the grant, it would be prudent for the Welsh Government to factor in administrative costs, particularly for the benefit of local councils.
Develop a uniform training and educational programme that all entities can utilise, whilst also including customised, easily comprehensible material for those facing language or literacy challenges.
Contemplate the introduction of a unified ordering system, a proposal which must be fully fleshed out and collaboratively designed by involved organisations for effective implementation.
Enhance the grant monitoring procedures, focusing on both the measurable results and more frequent, insightful dialogue between organisations. This would lead to improved and consistent data quality, which is essential for evaluating both organisational and end-user outcomes and impacts.
For Organisations:
Ensure educational environments have well-trained, dedicated staff that students are both familiar with and comfortable approaching, who can also meet more complex support needs.
Menstrual products should be made readily available in all applicable settings, eliminating the requirement to request these items from staff.
Elevate the degree of collaborative design and delivery of complimentary menstrual products and education within learning institutions.
Entities should aim to diversify the range of products available, including different levels of absorbency for both eco-friendly reusable and standard disposable menstrual items.
Comprehensive support, encompassing educational content, informational resources, and financial assistance, should be provided across all organisations. This should target not just those who menstruate but also those who do not, with the aim of dispelling existing stigmas and misconceptions surrounding menstruation. Initiatives should ideally commence during late primary school years.
Share first-hand experiences from students who have used reusable products with their peers in educational settings. This is to potentially alleviate concerns related to leakage and hygiene, thereby encouraging others to consider using these options.
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