Visitors can discreetly ask for a 'Package for Milly' to receive free essential menstrual products from staff at a popular Milton Keynes shopping centre.

Midsummer Place has launched the 'Package for Milly' initiative, helping to provide free essential menstrual products to anyone who needs them, discreetly and without judgement.

From this month, visitors can ask any participating member of staff for "a Package for Milly" to be given a free, discreet envelope containing essential menstrual products with no questions asked.

Participating staff include any member of the Midsummer Place team, as well as staff from retailers Lane7, Timberland, Victoria's Secret, Dr. Marten - with additional retailers expected to sign-up in the coming weeks.

A Milton Keynes shopping centre has launched free essential period product packs for those who need it.

placeholder image — A Milton Keynes shopping centre has launched free essential period product packs for those who need it.

The initiative aims to address period poverty, which continues to affect thousands of people across the UK. Latest figures from ActionAid UK report that 10% of girls have been unable to purchase menstrual products, 15% have struggled to access them and 19% have switched to less appropriate alternatives because of rising costs.

Simon Martin, Centre Manager at Midsummer Place, said: "No one should have to worry about accessing basic hygiene products. Package for Milly is a simple initiative that we hope will make a real difference to those who need a little extra support.

“We're proud that many of our retailers, and more to come, plus our own centre team have come together to help make this available within Midsummer Place."

Package for Milly was developed by Jackson Square Shopping Centre and is being adopted by sites across the UK.

For more information about the Package for Milly initiative, you can contact Midsummer Place and follow its social media accounts for updates.