Lea Gibson on her campaign to tackle period poverty
I have always worked in a care capacity with adults and young people, and I have always been passionate about ensuring people have positive wellbeing.
I launched Anthro Vision Community Interest Company at the beginning of the pandemic last year, while I was still doing outreach and mentoring in my free time with young people, as well as my nine-to-five job. The aim is to empower and strengthen communities.
As the first wave of lockdown commenced, I had conversations with friends, family, and young
people, which highlighted how difficult it was to acquire essential items. As the pandemic continued, period poverty also saw a rise within London, and I knew I wanted to launch an initiative that was inclusive for all people who menstruate.
This is when I decided to start an initiative called ‘People with Periods’ to help people in the community to access period products. I started off the first few wellbeing care packages using my savings, sending it out to young people I know and getting feedback in order for the project to be youth-led and also to ensure the packages were carefully crafted to meet the wellbeing of each individual during that time of the month.
This was well received, and I decided to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to deliver the initiative to young people aged from eleven to 25, across London. Since then, we have received support from local community organisations such as Bountagu Big Local, which helped fund the project for residents in Edmonton. It gathered a buzz and lots of positive feedback from young people.
If anyone is in need I aim to support as much as possible!
This year I have also received funding from Tesco to continue the project, focusing on children and young people from Enfield to obtain wellbeing care packages as part of the initiative. If any young person in Enfield is in need of period products, please get in touch!
The project is going well but there will always be a need for more support in the community, so I am still sharing fundraising. I am more than happy to be contacted by any organisation, business, or individual who is happy to donate hygiene products or period products.
Support the People with Periods campaign:
Email [email protected]
Visit uk.gofundme.com/f/anthro-vision-initiative-care-packages-for-yp
For more information about Anthro Vision:
Instagram @OfficialAnthroVision
Twitter @Anthro_Vision
Website AnthroVision.co.uk