Merseyside Police launch "The Red Box Project" on International Women's Day

On International Women’s Day – Merseyside Police is continuing its celebration of women, with the launch of “The Red Box Project.”

The Red Box Project is a community-based, not-for-profit initiative, which aims to support young people throughout their periods by providing red boxes filled with free period products to local schools.

Liverpool city co-ordinator for the project , Inspector Lisa Ledder explained: “I was first made aware of the issue of ‘period poverty’ via social media, but when I did some research I was shocked to read that young women were missing out on school because they don’t have access to sanitary products, be that through anxious embarrassment or not attending school all together during their periods. I knew this was something that our officers and staff could help with.

“We are organising for boxes to be placed across ten of our buildings so officers and staff can donate these much needed sanitary products and underwear, which will then be collected and given each month to schools across our region. In this day and age, no young woman should miss any of their education, due to something that happens on a monthly basis and we hope our contribution helps the project to help young women in Merseyside. Sanitary products are not a luxury item they are a necessity."

The force needs continued support and has received a generous donation from the Merseyside Police Federation Charitable Trust to kick-start the appeal.

A spokesperson for the trust said: "Merseyside Police Federation Charitable Trust are delighted to be involved in supporting such an important and worthwhile project, which seeks to help young women across Merseyside."

For further information on the project visit www.redboxproject.org you can also donate to their Just Giving page. For any community member who wishes to donate sanitary products they can do so via their local police station.