Access to free sanitary provision

Who are Hey Girls?
Hey Girls is an award winning social enterprise who are producing environmentally-friendly period products that fund the fight to end period poverty in the UK. South Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership is proud to partner with Hey Girls to provide period products across South Lanarkshire. 

How often can I order reusable period products?
We are delighted that many choose to use reusable products. As these items are reusable and we want as many people to give them a go, we are only able to send one of each product to each person currently. We will be more than happy to replace products after 12 months. 

Reusable pads

What are reusable towels made of?
Reusable towels are made from layers of absorbent and sustainably sourced bamboo and organic cotton and winged to fit your underwear. Hey Girls pads are good for the environment and good for you too! Pads are soft, flexible and comfortable. Pads come in a pack of 5, along with an eco cork wash bag. Our pack of reusable pads include:

• 1 x reusable panty liner (absorbs equivalent to 1-2 tampons)
• 2 x reusable day pads (absorbs equivalent to 3-4 tampons)
• 2 x reusable night pads (absorbs equivalent to 4-5 tampons)

How long do reusable pads last?
Reusable pads and liners can last up to 5 years, if they are looked after properly. This means you can save a massive amount going to landfill. Don’t worry though, we can replace your pads after 1 year.

How long can you wear a reusable pad for?
Up to 4-6 hours, depending on how heavy your flow is.

How do I wash and care for my reusable period pads?
Pre-rinse your pads with natural soap, then soak in cold water to prevent staining. Hand or machine wash at 40°, and try not to use fabric conditioner as this will lessen the absorbency of your pads. After washing, stretch each side of your pad to the opposite direction so it can revert back to its original shape. We recommend you air dry them – wrapping around a bathroom radiator is a great trick!

Are your pads chemical free?
Yes, all of Hey Girls Pads are chlorine and dioxin bleach free, with no hidden nasties, all made from natural bamboo and corn fibres.

Menstrual cups

Menstrual cups... what is my size?
As a standard guide, Hey Girls recommend using a small cup if you are 25 or under, or have not given birth vaginally. If you are over 25 or have given birth vaginally, we would give a large a go.

You know your body best, and cup sizes can often vary from one individual to another. For example, if you have a petite frame, please keep that in mind when choosing your cup size.

Safety first! If you have an IUD, the cup may not be the right product for you. If you have a contraceptive coil, always consult with your GP before using.

Our small cup measures at 7cm in length with a 4cm diameter, and our large is 7.5cm in length with a 4.5 diameter.

Currently, we are only able to send one cup per person. It is important we do this both for your own safety and comfort and also to ensure we are not sending out products which are unused and unusable, both in terms of the cost and the environmental impact.

Can I go swimming or do exercise whilst wearing a cup?
Yes of course! The cup is a great tool for anyone who wants to take on life as normal during their period. Swimming and exercising are perfectly safe to do whilst wearing a cup, just make sure she’s sealed in and it hasn’t been too long since you emptied – there’s less chance of any leaks if the cup is less full. Please remember to empty at least every 10-12 hours.

I have really heavy periods - will the cup work for me?
The cup is a really handy tool for a carefree period, and for some it even allows them to escape period cramps! Cups can be used for any range of flow, but if you have a heavy period it may mean you just need to empty a little more often than usual. It may be worth wearing a pad or pantyliner the first few times you wear your cup to understand how often you need to empty and make sure you are super comfortable to get out there and take on the world.

The cup doesn’t suit everyone – and that’s ok! If your body prefers to rock a pad or tampon, don’t fret about missing out on the cup. These products are here to make your life easier, so stick to whatever suits your flow.

What is your cup made from?
Hey Girls cups are made from medical grade silicone, meaning they are super soft and flexible whilst morphing to the shape of your body. They are also latex free, phthalates free, BPA and Dioxin free and hypoallergenic – meaning they are super good for your body and kind to our planet!

Tampons

What is the compostability of the sugar cane?
3-6 months in commercial systems.

Are your tampons organic?
Yes! Hey Girls entire range of period products are organic, including our 100% cotton tampons.

Do your tampons have a security shield?
Tampons are made from organic cotton, and are completely free of any external chemicals or plastics. This means there is no need for security shielding on our tampons, as the fabric composition avoids the possibility of fibre shedding. 

Mainstream tampons are often made from materials such as Rayon, which is a fabric that does shed fibres, meaning they have to then be coated in chemicals to reduce fraying. 

Pads

What are your pads made from?
Disposable day and overnight pads are made from natural bamboo and corn fibre. They are bleach, chlorine and plastic free, wrapped in biodegradable materials and packed in recycled cardboard.

Are your pads chemical free?
Yes, all of Hey Girls pads are chlorine and dioxin bleach free, with no hidden nasties, all made from natural bamboo and corn fibres.

Your pads don't stick!
We are always working to improve our product range, and understand that not every product suits everybody. Our period pads have been designed with organic and natural materials, which is maybe why they felt a bit different from what you’re used to. We only use environmentally friendly glue, which may stick to some materials better than others. If you’d like to try another product from the Hey Girls range, please get in touch!