Latest news with #MaredEastwood
Leader Live
22-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Flintshire activities for children with complex needs
The sessions, delivered through the Community Focused Schools programme, were held during the most recent half-term and included support for both special schools in the area. Working in partnership with Gwella and other organisations, the scheme has delivered 13 days of accessible activities at Flint and Deeside Leisure Centre and Ty Calon. Cllr Mared Eastwood, Flintshire's cabinet member for education, Welsh language, culture and leisure, said: "It is fantastic that, working in partnership with Gwella, this wide range of activities has been made available to children and young people who need additional support and that they have enjoyed participating so much. "This has been a great success, made possible by Community Focused Schools grant funding from Welsh Government." The programme offered a variety of activities, including soft play, bowling, sensory sessions, swimming, multi-sports, inflatables, ice skating, forest school, bushcraft, theatre, and a disco. In total, 121 families took part in 880 individual sessions. Parents described the scheme as providing a "safe environment for our children to play," with others calling it the "best half term" and expressing gratitude for the "much needed routine." READ MORE: Wrexham Furniture Centre to shut as bittersweet announcement reveals new outlet Get nostalgic with a dip into the Leader photo archives Another parent said the sessions offered a rare sense of support, adding: "Not feeling judged but feeling supported." One family described the programme as a 'fantastic job', and said it filled a gap where no other holiday clubs cater to children with additional learning needs.
North Wales Chronicle
28-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Free period products available in public spaces in Wales
This initiative is part of the Welsh Government's £3.2 million Period Dignity fund. The funding aims to provide essential period products to all who need them, in a bid to eradicate period poverty by 2027. These products are now freely available not only in every school and college in Wales but also in hundreds of public venues, including libraries, leisure centres, food banks, sports clubs, and youth hubs. The Welsh Government is determined that no one should miss education, work, or social activities because they cannot afford or access period products. Flintshire has been particularly successful with its 'Reusable Period Product Parties', which provide free reusable period cup kits, pad kits, and period pants. These events also create spaces for open conversations about menstrual health. The Community Sports Development Team in Flintshire has also included period products in first aid kits during outdoor activities and events. Councillor Mared Eastwood, Flintshire Council's cabinet member for education, Welsh language, culture, and leisure, said: "Holding Reusable Period Product Parties across libraries and leisure centres has helped to raise awareness and educate the community on reusable products, including a more sustainable alternative to disposable options. "Over 500 free reusable period pad kits, period pants kits, and period cup kits have been distributed through these events with many period positive conversations." The Welsh Government's cabinet secretary for social justice, Jane Hutt, said: "Period products are essential items and should be freely available to everyone who needs them. "Flintshire's approach to offering reusable products in public spaces while encouraging open conversations about periods is helping break down stigma." The minister for mental health and wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said: "Menstrual health is one of the eight priority areas in our Women's Health Plan. "We are striving for period equity for all women and girls with access to products, facilities, and healthcare to manage their period and menstrual health. "By making free period products widely available across Wales, we're not just addressing period poverty – we're empowering women to participate fully in life without barriers."
Rhyl Journal
28-05-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Free period products available in public spaces in Wales
This initiative is part of the Welsh Government's £3.2 million Period Dignity fund. The funding aims to provide essential period products to all who need them, in a bid to eradicate period poverty by 2027. These products are now freely available not only in every school and college in Wales but also in hundreds of public venues, including libraries, leisure centres, food banks, sports clubs, and youth hubs. The Welsh Government is determined that no one should miss education, work, or social activities because they cannot afford or access period products. Flintshire has been particularly successful with its 'Reusable Period Product Parties', which provide free reusable period cup kits, pad kits, and period pants. These events also create spaces for open conversations about menstrual health. The Community Sports Development Team in Flintshire has also included period products in first aid kits during outdoor activities and events. Councillor Mared Eastwood, Flintshire Council's cabinet member for education, Welsh language, culture, and leisure, said: "Holding Reusable Period Product Parties across libraries and leisure centres has helped to raise awareness and educate the community on reusable products, including a more sustainable alternative to disposable options. "Over 500 free reusable period pad kits, period pants kits, and period cup kits have been distributed through these events with many period positive conversations." The Welsh Government's cabinet secretary for social justice, Jane Hutt, said: "Period products are essential items and should be freely available to everyone who needs them. "Flintshire's approach to offering reusable products in public spaces while encouraging open conversations about periods is helping break down stigma." The minister for mental health and wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said: "Menstrual health is one of the eight priority areas in our Women's Health Plan. "We are striving for period equity for all women and girls with access to products, facilities, and healthcare to manage their period and menstrual health. "By making free period products widely available across Wales, we're not just addressing period poverty – we're empowering women to participate fully in life without barriers."
Leader Live
28-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Free period products available in public spaces in Wales
This initiative is part of the Welsh Government's £3.2 million Period Dignity fund. The funding aims to provide essential period products to all who need them, in a bid to eradicate period poverty by 2027. These products are now freely available not only in every school and college in Wales but also in hundreds of public venues, including libraries, leisure centres, food banks, sports clubs, and youth hubs. The Welsh Government is determined that no one should miss education, work, or social activities because they cannot afford or access period products. Flintshire has been particularly successful with its 'Reusable Period Product Parties', which provide free reusable period cup kits, pad kits, and period pants. These events also create spaces for open conversations about menstrual health. The Community Sports Development Team in Flintshire has also included period products in first aid kits during outdoor activities and events. Councillor Mared Eastwood, Flintshire Council's cabinet member for education, Welsh language, culture, and leisure, said: "Holding Reusable Period Product Parties across libraries and leisure centres has helped to raise awareness and educate the community on reusable products, including a more sustainable alternative to disposable options. "Over 500 free reusable period pad kits, period pants kits, and period cup kits have been distributed through these events with many period positive conversations." READ MORE: Optician Dawn set sights on half marathon charity fundraiser The Welsh Government's cabinet secretary for social justice, Jane Hutt, said: "Period products are essential items and should be freely available to everyone who needs them. "Flintshire's approach to offering reusable products in public spaces while encouraging open conversations about periods is helping break down stigma." The minister for mental health and wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said: "Menstrual health is one of the eight priority areas in our Women's Health Plan. "We are striving for period equity for all women and girls with access to products, facilities, and healthcare to manage their period and menstrual health. "By making free period products widely available across Wales, we're not just addressing period poverty – we're empowering women to participate fully in life without barriers."
South Wales Argus
28-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Free period products available in public places in Wales
The products are available as part of the Welsh Government's £3.2m Period Dignity fund. The initiative is not only providing essential period products in every school and college across Wales, but it has also extended its services to more than 100 public venues including libraries, leisure centres, food banks, sports clubs, and youth hubs. Through this initiative, the Welsh Government aims to completely eradicate period poverty by 2027 and is determined that no one should miss education, work, or social activities due to lack of access to period products. Flintshire's 'Reusable Period Product Parties' have been noted as a success. The events provide free access to reusable items such as cups, pads, and period pants. Councillor Mared Eastwood, Flintshire Council's cabinet member for education, Welsh language, culture, and leisure, said: "Holding Reusable Period Product Parties across libraries and leisure centres has helped to raise awareness and educate the community on reusable products. "Switching to reusable products can support individuals in reducing their environmental impact." The Welsh Government's cabinet secretary for social justice, Jane Hutt, also expressed her enthusiasm for the programme. She said: "Period products are essential items and should be freely available to everyone who needs them. "Flintshire's approach to offering reusable products in public spaces while encouraging open conversations about periods is helping break down stigma. "I'm especially pleased to see period products becoming available during sporting activities, removing yet another barrier to participation."
