Free sanitary products provided in four Coop pharmacies

Four Coop pharmacies, one café and a government building has been added to the free sanitary product scheme

Free sanitary products will be provided in four Coop pharmacies as part of a government scheme.

The government announced Le Bas Centre and the Butterfly Café would also now be providing free products.

Its most recent locations have been criticised for lacking products, but the social security minister said bigger dispensers would be installed.

Deputy Elaine Millar said the new venues would "give even more choice and ease of access to period products".

She said: "We have also listened to feedback and made more products available at our libraries and all of our sports centres, which are used more by the general public.

"All products will continue to be placed in both female and male toilets, as this approach ensures that anyone can access them either for themselves, their children, partner, or people they might care for."

• Sanitary tokens were considered before free scheme

• Period product scheme 'disrespectful to women'

• Free period product scheme 'clearly not efficient'

The free sanitary product scheme began in October 2022, and now has more than 40 locations.

The government said in October providing free sanitary products, meant it was no longer necessary to remove Goods and Services Tax from sanitary products.

'Equitable and supportive'

The pharmacies are Coop Bath St Pharmacy in St Helier, Coop New Era Pharmacy in St Clement, Coop St Helier Grand Marche Pharmacy, and the Coop St Peter Grand Marche Pharmacy.

Mark Cox, Coop's chief executive, said it was "committed to playing a key role in making these essential products readily available to those who need them".

He said: "By providing free period products, we are not just meeting a basic need but actively participating in the creation of a more equitable and supportive community."

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