The Red Box Project - Horley
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.
The Story
The Red Box Project was founded in March 2017 by three friends who wanted to give young people in their local area access to sanitary products. After reading about ‘Period Poverty‘ in the news, they were angered at the idea that young people were missing out on their education because they couldn’t afford the products they needed during their period. They decided to take action and contacted several secondary schools in Portsmouth to ask if a constantly stocked box of menstrual products would be welcomed. The feedback from teachers was that the issue was real and the resource was needed.
Currently there are 7 schools locally who take part (Oakwood, Yattendon, Langshott, Meath Green Juniors, Trinity Oaks, Burstow and Manorfield) and a box is also provided at Horley Baptist Church.
Thanks to our generous local community who donate items, Red Box Horley are able to top up their Red Boxes so that girls who are disadvantaged financially or socially can help themselves to items they may need discreetly and without embarrassment for the duration of their period.
Schools feedback have shown that girls feel reassured knowing their school have a box and it has also opened up discussions on a sometimes taboo subject so that they feel comfortable discussing their needs.
If you would like to donate then you can drop off donations of sanitary products, underwear and tights at the following drop off points
- Nails & Beauty by Vickie The Acres
- Laila Paris Horley, Station Approach
- New Horley Library
- OSCAHS afterschool club Meath Green Infants
- Very Bettie, Horley
- Bear & Bunny Nursey, Charlwood
- Waitrose (in staff room)
- Birchwood Doctors (in staff room)
You can also checkout their Facebook page 'The Red Box Project - Horley' and on Instagram @theredboxprojecthorley
