A NEW project which aims to provide essentials for young women in school has been launched at Holyrood Academy.

Cerri Killworth, who lives in Thorncombe, discovered the Red Box Project in March 2017 before taking matters into her own hands in July this year.

She aims to provide necessary sanitary products in order to help young women who might be too embarrassed to ask for them if they’re needed.

Ms Killworth said: “Period poverty is one of the least talked about issues within society today - because of the personal nature of the issue, many young women are too embarrassed to talk about it.

“The Red Box Project is entirely community driven run by women around the UK. We place constantly stocked Red Boxes of sanitary wear in schools for young women to access, aiming to reach those who may not be able to afford these vital items.

“Our aim is to initially be able to sustainably support three-five secondary schools within these areas; by sustainably we mean being able to restock a school within 48 hours of requesting.

“What we do is very simple - we collect menstrual products to distribute to schools across the area for any young person in need.

“It is so unbelievably sad that in such a wealthy country our rates of poverty are so high.”

Cerri has chosen Chard and one of the five target areas.

She has also enlisted the help of Neighbours star Alan Fletcher, who has voiced a message of support.

He said: “Thank you so much for all the wonderful sponsors of the Red Box Project. You are really making a difference with community kindness for lots of young women.”

Donation points can be found at Chard Eleos Cafe, Razooks, T-Birds and Simply Hair and Beauty.

Samantha Davison, vice principal at Holyrood, said: “Holyrood is delighted to be working with The Red Box project. The project’s direct approach and openness will help a significant number of girls who experience period poverty.

“We intend to make access to sanitary products as easy as possible. Red Box’s work will help girls discuss more openly the everyday facts of growing up.”

Nat Thomson, owner of Eleos said: “At Eleos we are interested in supporting our customers in any way we can. Sarah and I were thrilled to be asked to be a collection point and are more than happy to be a host for a Red box.

“If everyone does a little bit it makes a big difference.”

For more information about the project contact Cerri through the Facebook page by visiting facebook.com/redboxprojectchard.