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"embrace your flow
own your magic"
Our Story: Empowering Period Dignity
Welcome to Flow Happy, a not-for-profit dedicated to promoting period dignity and women's wellbeing. Our mission is to make period products available and accessible to every woman and girl in London. At Flow Happy, we believe that no one should face the challenges of period poverty, and we are committed to creating positive change.
What We Do:
Making a Difference, One Location at a Time. Flow Happy offers free products in public spaces, making period products available and accessible. Since March 2022, we've supplied 223,440 pads and tampons to women and girls in need. Our commitment extends beyond distribution — we aim to educate and raise awareness about period poverty, women's reproductive health, and encourage the use of more affordable, reusable, and sustainable feminine hygiene products.
Our Vision and Founder's Journey
"In the heartbeat of the city, we're rewriting the narrative. Flow Happy: because every girl, whether in Westminster or Tower Hamlets, deserves access to dignity—period!"
In a city where period poverty silently affects lives, Alvina, our founder, decided to take a stand. Having experienced first-hand the challenges of poverty and limited access to menstrual products, Alvina's personal journey became the driving force behind the creation of Flow Happy CIC. As a young mother at 22, pregnant and navigating life in a new borough, Alvina faced a starkly different reality than her previous years of study and employment. Unaware of available help, she had occasions within the first year where she struggled to afford basic necessities, including maternity and menstrual pads. This transformative period in her life, coupled with her observations while working over 15 years in the voluntary and community sector, revealed a notable lack of initiatives addressing period poverty. Motivated by these insights and driven by the memory of her own struggles, Alvina founded Flow Happy CIC. Her determination stems from a desire to ensure that no woman in London faces the hardships she once endured, creating a platform for change and empowerment.
Where to find free period products?
Flow Happy are dedicated to empowering women by providing free access to period products.
Our cabinets and dispensers can be found in various locations across London, ensuring that those who need essential period products have access to them. Join us in the effort to end period poverty and find your nearest Flow happy station.
We currently have stations in libraries and community centres in Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Barking and Dagenham, Hounslow, Greenwich, Wandsworth, Tower Hamlets and Croydon
Where to find your nearest station offering free products?
Our Impact
223,440
Products Donated
2,976
Volunteer Hours
15,959
Women Served
Our Impact and Urgency
In the challenging landscape of financial strain, meet Mariam, a nurse grappling with the rising cost of living. Despite her awareness of the health risks, Mariam finds herself leaving menstrual products on longer to make them last, illustrating the tough choices individuals face when balancing basic needs and personal well-being.
Sarah, a resilient mother, confronted unemployment during the pandemic, forcing her to decide between providing food for her family and affording menstrual products for her teenage daughters. Her experience mirrors the harsh reality for numerous women. Given that 21% of UK women struggle to afford period products, Flow Happy's mission in 13 London boroughs becomes a pressing response to this crucial need.
Alongside Mariam and Sarah, there are one million women caught off guard by their periods or lacking proper products. Forced to resort to makeshift pads with toilet paper, they find themselves making unplanned purchases they can't afford. Public spaces often lack these essentials, leaving women without dignity, facing the same inconvenience as running out of toilet paper or soap.
In this harsh reality, Flow Happy steps in, providing not just products but dignity and comfort to those overlooked in crucial moments. With initiatives in 13 London boroughs, the organization is addressing the urgent needs of women like Mariam and Sarah, and the countless others navigating the challenges of affording essential menstrual products.
Addressing a Citywide Void
In the course of working within the voluntary and community sector and engaging in charitable work to support low-income families and underrepresented groups, our founder noticed a critical gap in support across the city. This void was particularly pronounced in the absence of initiatives addressing period poverty, leaving many women in financial distress without a clear source of assistance during their periods.
Motivated by a commitment to social justice, our founder established Flow Happy CIC to address this pressing need. This mission is not just about providing menstrual products; it's about filling the void left by the absence of initiatives specifically tailored to tackle period poverty. Flow Happy goes beyond geographic boundaries, aiming to impact the lives of women in every London borough.
Recognising that many women may not be aware of where to turn for help during challenging times, Flow Happy strives to be that crucial support system. By offering more than just products, our organisation becomes a reliable network, empowering and uplifting those navigating the complexities of period poverty.
The Stats
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21% Struggling to Afford Period Products A study by Plan International UK found that 21% of girls and women aged 14-21 in the UK have struggled to afford sanitary products.
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10% Using Unsanitary Materials According to a survey by the charity Bloody Good Period, around 10% of girls and women in the UK have used improvised menstrual products, such as socks or newspaper, because they couldn't afford proper sanitary items.
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Missed School and Work Days Girls and women who cannot afford menstrual products may miss school or work. According to research by Plan International UK, around 49% of girls have missed an entire day of school because of their period, and 59% have missed sports or other extracurricular activities.
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Impact on Mental Health Period poverty is not just a matter of physical health but can also impact mental well-being. Girls and women facing challenges in accessing menstrual products may experience feelings of shame, embarrassment, and anxiety. According to a survey by Young Scot, 71% of respondents felt embarrassed about their period, and 67% felt anxious about leaks.
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Monthly Struggle for Low-Income Families: For low-income families, the financial burden of purchasing menstrual products each month can be significant. According to research by the charity In Kind Direct, 1 in 10 UK women aged 14-21 cannot afford menstrual products, and 49% of those struggling come from low-income households.
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Hygiene and Infections: Using improvised materials due to a lack of proper sanitary products can lead to hygiene issues and an increased risk of infections. A study by the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that using inadequate materials during menstruation can contribute to health problems.
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Access to Free Products While there have been efforts to address period poverty, not all women and girls are aware of or have access to free products. Initiatives like ours play a crucial role in reaching those who may be in need but are not covered by existing programs. By addressing these aspects of period poverty, our initiative aims to not only provide essential products but also contribute to improved educational outcomes, mental well-being, and overall health for women and girls facing economic challenges.
Beyond Statistics
Our impact transcends mere statistics; it's embodied in the mother who no longer has to resort to makeshift solutions due to financial constraints, and the young girl who can confidently attend school without the burden of worrying about access to menstrual products.
As we extend our reach, our sense of urgency is ignited by the untold stories of those silently grappling with period poverty and the growing collective voice proclaiming, "No more." The issue of period poverty is deeply ingrained in systemic challenges, and our mission stands unwavering – every woman, irrespective of her postcode or circumstances, deserves dignified access to menstrual products.
At the heart of our mission lies the concept of "period dignity." It's about recognizing that every woman deserves to manage her period with respect and without compromising her sense of dignity. No one should have to choose between basic necessities and essential hygiene. By addressing period poverty, we aim not only to provide tangible products but also to restore a sense of dignity, empowering women to navigate their lives with confidence and without the limitations imposed by financial constraints.
The Challenge
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The Challenge - 385 Cabinets to Eradicate Period Poverty in London:
To achieve our vision of a London without period poverty, we recognise the need for strategic action. Our aim is clear: we need 385 strategically placed cabinets or places offering free products across London. This strategic placement ensures that no woman or girl faces her monthly cycle without access to feminine hygiene products within a 0.5-mile radius
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Our Vision for a Better Future
Flow Happy envisions a world where feminine hygiene products are easily accessible to every woman and girl. By the end of 2024, our aim is to establish period stations in all 32 London Boroughs. Over the next five years, we strive to achieve several goals:
1. Strategic Placement
Implement 385 period stations strategically across the city, including libraries, shopping centers, and various public spaces.
2. Community Education:
Conduct awareness programs and workshops to educate and destigmatize menstruation, fostering an environment of understanding and support.
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3. Sustainability:
Integrate eco-friendly and sustainable practices in the distribution of feminine hygiene products to contribute to environmental conservation.
4. Partnerships:
Collaborate with local businesses, organisations, and government bodies to create a network of support and extend the reach of our initiative.
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5. Inclusivity:
Ensure our products cater to the diverse needs of menstruating individuals, considering different preferences and requirements.
By pursuing these goals, Flow Happy is dedicated to not only providing essential products but also fostering a holistic approach towards menstrual health and well-being.
Join the Movement
Support Us
Join us in our fight to eliminate period poverty and promote menstrual equity. Support our mission by sponsoring a cabinet, volunteering for packaging and up-cycling events, or spreading awareness about period poverty. Every action counts in ensuring period dignity for all.
Sponsor
At Flow Happy, we are proud to partner with sponsors who share our values and commitment to empowering women. By sponsoring a location, you can directly support women in your area and help us provide them with access to the resources they need to thrive. We are grateful for your support and look forward to working with you to make a positive impact in your community.
volunteer
Volunteering with Flow Happy is a great way to give back to your community while making a positive impact on the lives of women. We offer flexible opportunities for individuals and groups, including corporate volunteering outings and seasonal events. Our volunteers have made significant contributions to our organization, and we welcome all who share our values and mission. Contact us today to learn more about how you can volunteer with Flow Happy.
spreaD the word
At Flow Happy, we are dedicated to supporting menstruating people around the world. Our mission is to empower women and girls by providing access to free period products, education, and support. You can help us spread the word about our important work by sharing our website and social media pages with your friends and family. Every like, comment, and share helps to raise awareness and make a difference.
Flow Happy Retreats
Embrace your flow, own your magic
Flow Happy Retreat offers women a unique escape to a place where they can express themselves and connect with others. We provide a secure space where women can engage in activities that promote self-care, sisterhood, and empowerment. Our retreat supports period poverty services, and women are also welcome to contribute to artwork or activities for this cause. Come and join us at Flow Happy Retreat to make a difference in yourself and the world.