Access to Period Products
At Shetland Islands Council, we believe access to period products is a right, not a privilege. We provide free products to individuals and communities in Shetland, helping to reduce period poverty and support health and wellbeing.
This is part of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021, which ensures that anyone who needs period products can access them for free. The Scottish Government funds all local authorities to make this possible through its ongoing support for access to period products in schools and communities.
Ordering for Individuals
If you live in Shetland, you can order free period products for personal use through our partnership with Hey Girls by clicking the Order for Individual Products button below.
Please note that individual orders are limited to one reusable bundle and one disposable bundle per order.
For additional support, the View Guidance for Individual Orders button provides step-by-step instructions for placing an order.
View Guidance for Individual Orders (PDF, 72kB)
Ordering for Community Venues
Community venues can order products directly through Hey Girls by clicking the Order for Community Venues button below. To make ordering straightforward and sustainable, we’ve introduced a minimum order value of £100.
This helps us:
- Reduce packaging waste by combining items into fewer, larger shipments.
- Lower our environmental impact from transport and delivery.
- Manage postage costs.
Please note: Orders are password protected. You will have been contacted with the login details needed to access the ordering platform.
The ordering platform displays the total cost of selected products to help venues plan their order and reach the £100 minimum.
For additional support, the View Guidance & Example Orders for Community Venues button provides:
- Step-by-step instructions for placing an order.
- Practical advice on ordering responsibly and storing products safely.
- Example orders illustrating typical combinations that meet the £100 minimum value.
View Guidance & Example Orders for Community Venues (PDF, 165kB)
Thank you for helping us deliver a sustainable, cost-effective service for Shetland communities.
FAQs
Find answers to some of the most common questions below.
Who can order products?
Anyone living in Shetland can order products online, no matter age, gender or income. Individuals can also find products in community venues around Shetland, find the full list of locations here.
What products are available?
We offer a range of menstrual products, including single-use items like tampons and pads, as well as eco-friendly, reusable options such as menstrual cups and reusable pads.
Single-use items are available at physical community venues across Shetland. Individuals can order either single-use or reusable products online.
All products are supplied through Hey Girls.
How often can I order?
Individuals can order as often as required.
Can I order for someone else?
Yes, you can order for someone else.
Please note that young people who are currently in education or are home educated are to order through Children's Services, find more information here.
Why are period products being supplied for free?
Those who menstruate should not have to pay for products. Period products can be expensive, and the Scottish Government aim to alleviate this financial pressure by funding local authorities to provide free period products. The scheme also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding periods through education and awareness raising, whilst respecting individual dignity. Products will be made accessible without the need to ask for them or justify your need.