Written by: Ananya Reynolds (Co women’s group lead & gambling counsellor) 

A basket of period products in the bathroom might not seem like a radical thing but recently it was brought to the attention of the office manager in one of our Bristol offices that staff wanted these provided, and it was implemented without fuss or hesitation. This small change is a step in the right direction towards a period positive workplace and The Women’s Working group is grateful for the swift action but most importantly, how it was ‘no big deal’ for those being asked to provide staff with menstrual products. 

In recent years, the tides have been shifting in better understanding menstruation and people are beginning to speak more openly about their periods. The provision of period products in bathrooms across the country is now more commonplace but more work needs to be done with one in four people struggle to purchase period supplies (often referred to as period poverty.) 

The Ara Women’s Working Group, which is part of the EDI initiative here at Ara are concerned with and, we intend to be proactive about, issues that disproportionately impact women and girls that access our services and work for us too. We will inform, educate and advocate to the best of our ability around these issues. As well as celebrating our successes and getting creative about how Ara can work towards inclusivity in all departments. 

As such, it is no surprise that not even 5 minutes into our first meeting that we began to discuss periods, menopause and women’s health.  Discussing our lived experience of these topics and others is forming the foundation of how we want to support women and girls accessing our services better and our colleagues too, and we’re all keen to get started and make changes that will positively impact the course of Aras future. 

 Periods are a  ‘fact of life’ and for those of us who have a menstrual cycle, the chances are we’ve experienced some levels of shame and embarrassment around our periods, and we hope that this topic and all others we intend to explore and the changes we hope to implement within Ara will reduce stigma and shame and get people talking openly and honestly about ‘women’s issues’, not in hushed tones but bravely and boldly. 

There is a wealth of experience within the working group both lived and professional. We are welcoming of allies and anyone who is keen to better understand what we do please reach out to the leads and/or get involved if you feel able to. We are working with all other EDI groups to continuously consider all intersecting perspectives, and we will be working collaboratively to improve access, break down barriers and educate and learn from staff on all aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion in a way that better supports the people we walk alongside in Ara, in their recovery journeys.  

For now, if you work at Ara and are noticing a shortage of period products anywhere where you believe they should be available or have any ideas relevant to this or anything else, please do reach out to us at: 

AnanyaReynolds@recovery4all.co.uk and/or KellyLack@recovery4all.co.uk  (Women’s Working group Leads) Or, for general EDI enquiries or to get involved, please contact: TadghCrozier@recovery4all.co.uk