Leeds leisure centres are taking an important step towards promoting sustainability and breaking down barriers to physical activity by offering free reusable period products to visitors and staff.
Through a partnership between Active Leeds and the period poverty charity Freedom 4 Girls, centres across the city will be distributing a range of sustainable options over the coming months. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support people who menstruate, helping them feel more confident and comfortable while staying active. Staff members have shared their own experiences of managing periods at work — from the anxiety of leaking and being caught without supplies, to navigating irregular cycles and perimenopause — highlighting the need for accessible solutions.
At two successful pilot events, teams handed out 208 sustainable products, including 121 pairs of period pants, 57 pieces of period swimwear, and 30 reusable pads. In return, over 100 packets and boxes of disposable products were donated by the community. These contributions will help ensure that free period products are available to anyone who needs them across Active Leeds sites.
The programme not only addresses the financial barriers to accessing menstrual products — with one in 10 girls in the UK unable to afford them, but also tackles cultural stigmas surrounding periods and physical activity.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:
“This initiative is about more than just access to reusable and sustainable period products, it’s about normalising conversations, building confidence, and ensuring that no one is left behind because of their period.
“Following the success of the pilot events, we’re looking forward to rolling this out across more leisure centres over the next few months.”
Events will take place at the following leisure centres:
Kirkstall Leisure Centre – 21 May
Armley Leisure Centre – 22 May
Garforth Leisure Centre – 11 June
Rothwell Leisure Centre – 12 June
Middleton Leisure Centre – 25 June
Pudsey Leisure Centre – 26 June
Scott Hall Leisure Centre – 9 July
Fearnville Leisure Centre – 10 July
John Smeaton Leisure Centre – 16 July
Morley Leisure Centre – 17 July
Active Leeds and Freedom 4 Girls are continuing to encourage donations of both disposable and reusable menstrual products to help keep leisure centres’ period stations stocked for all visitors. By making sustainable period products available to everyone, Leeds is taking another important step towards equality, inclusion, and environmental responsibility.
Whether you’re looking to get fitter, recover from injury, connect with others, or simply try something new, Active Leeds offers a welcoming and supportive environment to help you achieve your goals www.active.leeds.gov.uk
