Period poverty charity Bloody Good Period has announced it is to close, saying “our story reflects the severe financial pressures facing the wider sector”.

The Charity launched nine years ago to improve access to period products to asylum seekers, refugees and those living in poverty.

However, it says it is now working with insolvency practitioners around the closure of the charity.

According to the charities register the Bloody Good Period has six staff and is supported by 20 volunteers and five trustees.

Over the last four years its spending outstripped its income only once, for the 12 months to December 2021.

Its most recent accounts show it spent £896,830 in the 12 months to December 2023, while its income over this time was £916,050.

“This is a deeply sad day for everyone connected with our organisation,” said the charity.

“We care profoundly about Bloody Good Period’s mission, as do all those who have worked, volunteered, supported and followed our journey since day one.

“No one who shares our belief in a better world for menstruation ever wanted this outcome.”

It added: “Today is an especially terrible day for those who are losing their livelihoods, and with the beneficiaries and communities who have valued our work over the years.

“As the law requires, we are now focused on working closely with the appointed insolvency practitioners to ensure the process is handled properly. In time, we will also reflect on what we have learned, and on what we might do differently if we find ourselves in similar roles in the future.

“The legacy of this organisation remains in the lives of those who contributed to the organisation’s life and impact, and the partners who we were glad to work with over the years.

“While there is much we cannot say about the circumstances that brought us here, our story reflects the severe financial pressures facing the wider sector.”

Charity ‘will be sorely missed’

Women’s health and period poverty charities have reacted to the announcement.

Plan International UK said: “We're so sorry about this news. This work matters and it deserves funding. We need to do better for women’s health and equality.”

While gynaecological cancers charity The Eve Appeal added: “We’re so sorry to hear this. We have loved working with you to bust taboos around menstrual health. You did such fantastic work getting support to those who needed it most.

“Your mission to address health inequalities is such a critical one and you will be sorely missed. It is such tough times for the charity sector – fundraising for these health issues has never been harder.

“You have made a huge impact and leave a legacy of change - you really have made the world a better place for all women and people who menstruate.”

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