Inspirational Chesterfield teenager praised for making “real difference” as her successful campaign grows – with first free period products distributed at Chesterfield Royal Hospital hub and gym
A teenage campaigner from Chesterfield has received recognition for her free period products campaign, which has hit yet another milestone.
Jasmine Topley, 17, of Birdholme, has recently distributed the first free period products boxes across Chesterfield as a part of her campaign to end period poverty in the UK.
The young campaigner was just 14 when she heard on the news that Scotland had become the first country in the world to provide free period products to people who menstruate.
In 2023 the teenager launched her FreePeriods4AllUK Campaign with a petition calling for free period products across the UK gathering over 30,000 signatures.
Jasmine said: “When I started FreePeriods4AllUK in 2023, I didn’t expect it to grow this far. I just wanted to help people in my community who were going without basic period products.
“To see it now with over 31.8k signatures (almost 32k), media coverage, and national attention proves that period poverty is a serious issue and that people are ready for real change.”
Jasmine’s campaign has also gained support of Scottish MP Monica Lennon, who introduced the free period products bill in Scottish Parliament.
In a letter sent to Jasmine, Monica Lennon said: “It's brilliant to see campaigners fighting to improve their local communities and I was heartened to read that my work in implementing the Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Act was one of the inspirations behind the petition.
“I have shared your petition across my social media channels and would like to support you in any way possible.”
Jasmine said she was “thrilled and deeply grateful” when she found out that the Scottish MP praised her campaign.
She added: “Monica Lennon has been such a powerful voice for period equality in Scotland, so having her backing gave the campaign even more weight and visibility.
“It reinforced that what started as a local effort can be part of a much bigger movement pushing for national change.”
As Jasmine’s campaign continues she has recently distributed her first free period products boxes across the local community including in a local gym, and a community centre.
The boxes contain essential items including pads, tampons, panty liners, and wipes as well small toiletry bags or boxes to help people carry and store them.
Jasmine’s campaign has gained support from Chesterfield Royal Hospital Trust, whi worked closely with the young campaigner to provide free period products across the trust.
Abbie Foster, Health and Wellbeing Lead at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, said: “This initiative is a wonderful thing to do and will make a real difference to women using the facilities here – and across the Trust.
"We have always had a few as a stock for emergencies but it’s so important that we have a really good stock here for women.
"Thank you to Jasmine, and to everyone throughout our community who has supported her.
"These boxes will be available in toilets in the Hub for anyone to use.”
Always, a well-know brand offering period products, has also praised Jasmine for her efforts.
In a message sent to Jasmine, a spokesperson for the brand said: “Thank you again for the important work you’re doing, Jasmine we truly wish you continued success with your campaign and expansion into other parts of the East Midlands and UK What you’re building is making a real difference."
Jasmine has already made a difference to local community, but she is not planning to stop here and has many ambitious plans to develop her campaign even further.
She said: “The next steps are to expand the number of period boxes and reach more communities across the UK.
"I also want to grow the petition further and keep raising awareness.
“Ultimately, my goal is to see period products made freely available across the UK.
"I want to see Parliament follow Scotland’s lead and make these products accessible to everyone.
"Access is not a privilege, it is a right, and millions cannot wait any longer.”
Anyone who can help Jasmine by providing products for her free period products boxes, is asked to contact her directly at [email protected].