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Period Poverty Is Getting Worse, Here’s How To Donate And Find Help

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The cost of living is making it harder for women and girls to buy period products.

A new poll of 1,000 girls aged 14-21 reveals that more than one in four (28%) are struggling to afford period products, and nearly one in five (19%) report being unable to afford period products at all since the start of 2022.

One in 10 of the young women who took part in the survey had to go to a food bank to obtain free period products. And half of the girls who struggled to afford period products since the start of 2022 had to cut back on food and groceries to be able to buy them. This number dramatically increased by almost double compared to last year.

Almost a quarter (23%) of girls had to cut back spending money on school supplies to afford to buy period products and 19% cut back on buying non-prescription health products.

Shockingly, the vast majority (80%) of girls who struggled or were unable to afford period products have used toilet paper as a substitute for period products, up an eighth on last year. Around 12% have used socks, 10% have used newspaper/paper and 7% have used other fabric.

As the cost-of-living continues to rise rapidly – with the price of food, energy and multiple household items skyrocketing – the survey also found that overall, over a quarter (26%) of UK girls are concerned about being able to afford period products over the coming months.

Rose Caldwell, CEO of Plan International UK, described the findings as “devastating”.

“As we look to an uncertain future, many more families will face tough financial choices, and more young women than ever are likely to face issues affording the products they need,” she said. “Period products are a necessity, not a luxury, and they need to be treated as such.”

How can you help combat period poverty?

Let’s be real: we need intervention from those in power to reduce the price of period products and tackle the cost of living crisis, so that women are girls can afford to buy them in the first place. You can write to big brands and your MP to get your voice on this heard.

But if you’re able to donate items to support those in need, the sustainable period brand Dame recommends donating “reusables or plastic-free products where possible, and remember pads are more popular than tampons”.

“Products need to make more financial sense, and the rise of reusable products like menstrual cups in particular is helping to address this as the cup can be used for an entire period each cycle and lasts for years,” a spokesperson explained.

“Single use products will almost always end up more expensive over time, so the move to reusables can really help here as long as we can get the products into people’s hands for little or no cost.”

Some charities prefer to receive donated products including pads, tampons and menstrual cups, whereas other organisations prefer monetary donations, so they can buy items most suitable for their clients and distribute accordingly. If you’re not sure, always ask.

Where can you provide or find help?

There are organisations around the country helping girls and women to access period products. We’ve listed just a few of them below:

Your local food bank or community hub

The majority of food banks/hubs now stock period products, so your local centre is a good first port of call if you’d like to donate items or you need to access help. The Trussell Trust website has a directory of nationwide food banks, but you’ll find others by googling support in your area or looking at local Facebook groups. While some food banks require a referral (from a GP or social worker), others do not. Never be afraid to walk in and ask for help. To donate to a food bank, check if there are preferred ‘donation days’ listed online, or place items for donation in community ‘collection points’ (often in supermarkets).

Freedom4girls

Freedom4girls s a Leeds-based charity that fights against period poverty. They work with people who menstruate to challenge stigmas and gender inequalities linked with menstruation. You can donate products directly to the charity via its multiple ‘donation stations’ situated in Leeds and other areas of West Yorkshire. The charity also accepts postal donations and financial donations. Products are distributed to women and girls in need, primarily among those based in Leeds and Sheffield. You can find details on how to donate here and request free products via this online form.

Bloody Good Period

Bloody Good Period has over 100 partners across England and Wales, including charities and food banks. They give period products to refugees, asylum-seekers and those who can’t afford or access them. Since March 2020, they’ve been able to distribute over 100,000 packs of period products.

The charity does not accept physical donations of period products, but it does reply on financial donations. It operates by bulk ordering products and distributing them across the country. You can read more about donating funds here, or even organise a Bloody Good Fundraiser.

Hey Girls is a “buy-one, donate-one” social enterprise, meaning every time you buy a period product via the site, you’re helping another woman to access a product she needs. There are cups, pads, tampons, period pants and more available via the shop.

Girlguiding

Girlguiding aims to end period poverty and the stigma associated with periods. They are a leading charity for girls and young women. They’ve teamed up with WaterAid to develop activities to get girls and young women talking openly about period.

Schools

Schools across the country can sign up to access free period products for pupils who need them. Speak to your/your child’s school if this is something that would help,

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This Is How Covid Impacts Your Heart, Lungs And Kidneys After Infection

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Covid affects the heart, lungs and kidneys, according to two new studies, and the impacts could last long after the initial infection has passed.

The first study was carried out in 10 intensive care units across Scotland and examined 121 critically ill patients who were receiving treatment on ventilators due to the impact of coronavirus on their system.

One in three of the patients in the study showed evidence of abnormalities in the right side of the heart – the area that pumps blood to the lungs, researchers found.

Nearly half (47%) of ventilated patients in the study died because of Covid-19, a figure comparable to national and international death rates.

“A combination of factors create the perfect storm for Covid-19 to damage the right side of your heart, which ultimately can cause death,” Dr Philip McCall, lead author of the study and consultant in Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at NHS Golden Jubilee, said.

Experts at the NHS Golden Jubilee University National Hospital in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, said that the findings could play a vital role in not only saving the lives of Covid-19 patients, but for the care of potentially fatal heart and lung issues generally, as well as helping prepare for any possible future pandemic.

Dr Ben Shelley, chief investigator of the study and consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at the NHS Golden Jubilee, said: “The study has revealed that there is no doubt Covid-19 affects the heart and has a major impact on outcomes for the patient.

“However, now that we know this actually happens, and have a better understanding of how it affects people, we can plan for the future and put in place new care plans and treatments to help combat this.”

In another study published in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers analysed the outcomes of 159 people hospitalised with Covid between May 2020 and March 2021.

“Our study provides objective evidence of abnormalities at one to two months post-Covid and these findings tie in with persisting symptoms at that time and the likelihood of ongoing health needs one year later,” Prof Colin Berry, of the University of Glasgow, which led the CISCO-19 (Cardiac imaging in Sars coronavirus disease-19) study said.

People who had been hospitalised with Covid showed several abnormalities, including in results from imaging of the heart, lungs and kidneys, the study found.

One in eight of those who were hospitalised for Covid were most likely to have myocarditis, or heart inflammation, experts said. Healthcare workers with acute kidney injury was more likely to have myocarditis as well as those with more severe disease requiring invasive ventilation.

Additionally, people who have been hospitalised with Covid were more likely to need outpatient secondary care or be referred for long Covid, with death and re-hospitalisations also much higher in this group.

Although both studies focussed on patients who experienced severe Covid infection, the results have helped scientists learn about the wide ranging impacts of the virus. Researchers say the findings also serve as a reminder for the general population to stay vigilant about Covid.

Prof Berry added: “Even fit, healthy individuals can suffer severe Covid-19 illness and to avoid this, members of the public should take up the offer of vaccination.”

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Noel Gallagher ‘Covered In Blood’ And Needing Stitches After Being Headbutted During Manchester City Celebrations

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Noel Gallagher has revealed he needed stitches and was “covered in blood” after getting accidentally headbutted by Manchester City player Ruben Dias’ dad.

The Oasis star was in the stands at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon to watch Manchester City score three goals in five minutes to secure the Premier League trophy.

The musician and lifelong City fan was celebrating with the fans before getting caught by Ruben’s dad during the chaotic celebrations.

Sharing the story on talkSPORT, he said: “So as the third goal goes in, right, there is absolute bedlam, as you can imagine, in the stadium. Where we sit, Reuben Diaz’s family are in the box, a couple of boxes up.

“So I’m jumping around like an idiot, passing my 11-year-old son around like the Premier League trophy, everyone is lifting him up.

“I turn around and Rúben Dias’ dad runs straight into me, headbutts me while I’m on the floor covered in blood. I don’t see the last two minutes I’ve got to get taken down by the St John Ambulance and had to get stitched up. I’ve got stitches in my top lip, I’ve got two black eyes.”

Noel says he bumped into the winning team’s manager Pep Gaurdiola following the incident, who asked what had happened to his face.

“As I’m going down the corridor Pep’s running up crying and we kind of hug each other and he says, ‘What’s up with your face?’ And I was like, ‘Go see the players, nothing to do with me’.

“And if you’ve seen me today, I look like I’ve just arrived home from the 80s, from Elland Road. I look like I’ve had my head smashed in. It’s unbelievable.

“A lot of City fans are asking, ‘You alright? What’s happened?’ And I said – ‘You’ll never guess!’”

Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher

Dave J Hogan via Getty Images

Noel added that despite his own injuries, Rúben Dias’ dad came out of the exchange without a mark on him.

“He’s a big bear of a man – he almost knocked my teeth out.

“But as days go at the Etihad that’s got to be up there with the best.”

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Raheem Bailey GoFundMe Reaches £100k After Schoolboy Loses Finger Fleeing Bullies

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Raheem Bailey is a name you would have seen all over your social feeds over the weekend. Devastatingly, the 11-year-old had a finger amputated after he suffered an injury trying to flee bullies at school.

The young Black student was attacked, beaten and pushed to the ground in his school in Abertillery, Wales, based on racist bullying, said his mother Shantal.

Doctors worked six hours to save Raheem’s fingers but ultimately could not save it.

Since she shared the news, the story has gained worldwide attention, with the likes of Anthony Joshua, Jadon Sancho and US basketball player Gerald Green speaking out.

The mum also started a GoFundMe page with the intention of raising £10k for Raheem’s medical costs, including a prosthetic finger. But since the story broke out, donations have poured in, far exceeding the family’s expectations.

Currently, the donations stand at £101,847.

Shantal Bailey wrote on the donations page: “Raheem has faced racial and physical abuse, as well as more generic bullying about his height and other things, since he started secondary school in September 2021.”

Though she had been aware of some comments, she was not aware of the extent of her son’s bullying, she said.

“Raheem was attacked by a group of children and beaten (mainly kicked) after being pushed to the ground. Consequently, Raheem made a desperate attempt to leave the school grounds in order to escape the situation.

“Whilst climbing the fence, his finger got caught and attached to it, causing the skin to strip and the finger to break in half it.”

The mother said she had contacted the school about the incident and was assured it would be dealt with.

The school, Abertillery Learning Community, announced yesterday that it would be closed today as it work with police to investigate the issue.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council said that all campuses would be closed on Monday, saying: “Abertillery Learning Community is working with Gwent Police in relation to an ongoing investigation into an alleged assault on the secondary campus.

“All campuses at Abertillery Learning Community will be closed tomorrow on health and safety grounds.

“Learners will access blended learning for Monday, 23rd May. The safety and well-being of learners and staff remains of paramount importance to the Learning Community and the Local Authority at all times.”

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Minister Addresses Ongoing Monkeypox Worries: ‘Cautious, Not Concerned’

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The government is monitoring the monkeypox outbreak but is currently “not concerned”, according to minister Simon Clarke.

The chief secretary to the Treasury was responding to the public worries around the recent uptick in cases now there are 80 cases across 12 countries.

The rare viral infection usually does not spread easily between humans, but is common in parts of West and Central Africa. There were only three UK cases reported in 2021, one in 2019 and three in 2018.

On Monday, Clarke told Sky News: “As with any new disease, and after the Covid pandemic, doubly-so, we continue to monitor this very, very closely.

″I think I would say I’m cautious but I’m certainly not concerned about our ability to handle the situation.

“Crucially there is a vaccine available which works for monkeypox, and all the evidence is that it’s spread by physical contact.

“That being the case, the risk of community transmission is much lower. We have a working vaccine, if people present the symptoms or they have very close contact, then we are advising that the quarantine for three weeks, but the threshold for that is quite high – it really does need to be close physical contact or sexual contact.”

He continued: “We do urge particular caution with the immunosuppressed, with pregnant women, all the groups who are normally more vulnerable.

“We’re cautious but we’re certainly not in a position where I would worry about some repeat of Covid because it does not appear to be anywhere near the same platform of seriousness.”

Monkeypox has ben compared to smallpox, but it is actually milder, less infectious and less deadly.

People usually recover within a week and the virus disappears on its own, prompting no long-term health impacts. However, among a few people a more severe illness can occur.

It usually spreads through close physical contact with an infected person. The symptoms include a fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.

A rash can occur too, starting on the face before moving to other parts of the body. The rash can transform to look like chickenpox or syphilis, before forming scabs which do gradually fall off.

People without symptoms are not considered infectious.

The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed 20 cases in this outbreak so far in the UK, with further details to be revealed later on Monday.

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Harry Potter Fan Stunned To Discover Value Of Battered Books On Antiques Roadshow

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If you’ve got some very old copies of the Harry Potter books stuffed away somewhere then you might want to dig them out.

One fan, Helen, was left stunned during an appearance on Sunday’s Antiques Roadshow when she brought along a battered old copy of the Philosopher’s Stone (complete with detached cover) to be valued.

She also brought along a hardback copy of The Chamber Of Secrets, which was in better shape.

Despite their condition, Potter fan Helen was told by the show’s expert Justin Croft that they could fetch thousands of pounds, despite the state of them.

Antiques Roadshow
Antiques Roadshow

“These are possibly the worst condition I’ve seen on the Roadshow,” Justin told her.

Crucially, the Chamber of Secrets was a first-edition – and both books had been signed by author JK Rowling.

Helen explained: “Growing up, Harry Potter meant an awful lot to me and my family.

“The Harry Potter paperback I have there I was given in my stocking one year for Christmas and when I started reading it I couldn’t put it down.

“When the second book came out JK Rowling came to the Edinburgh book festival and she did a signing afterwards. She signed it for me.”

Viewers then saw the Harry Potter author’s message, which read: “To Helen – This is the condition I like to see my books in! (Read).”

Antiques Roadshow
Antiques Roadshow

Referring to the first book, Justin said: “I think I would say £1,000 to £1,500 on this which is really just for the inscription.”

Speaking about the second book, he added: “And this, being a first edition albeit without the dust jacket, £3,000 to £3,500.”

A stunned Helen appeared momentarily speechless before replying: “Thank you very much.”

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David Beckham Watches Wrexham AFC Match At Wembley With Ryan Reynolds And Blake Lively

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David Beckham put in an appearance in the stands of Wembley Stadium on Sunday to watch Wrexham AFC, who are owned by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds.

And just to up the A-list ante, the two stars were joined by Ryan’s wife, actor Blake Lively and Anchorman’s Will Ferrell.

David Beckham, Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell
David Beckham, Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell

Eddie Keogh – The FA via Getty Images

Alas, the famous foursome’s star power didn’t rub off on the team, who lost 1-0 to Bromley.

Ryan and his mate, fellow actor Rob McElhenney, took full control of the National League club from the Wrexham Supporters Trust in February 2021, investing £2million under the terms of the deal.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

Eddie Keogh – The FA via Getty Images

Last year, Ryan revealed he had been seeking advice from Becks after buying the local British club.

“If you can just make heavy eye contact with Beckham for… about 20 seconds, your football knowledge grows exponentially,” Ryan joked.

“Sometimes I just FaceTime him and I’m just like, ’Don’t speak. Just stare at me″.”

Ryan and David struck up a friendship after Ryan’s superhero character made a quip about the footballer’s voice in Deadpool.

Becks later appeared in an online sketch where Deadpool apologised for saying he sounded like he “mouth-sexed a can of helium”.

Ryan Reynolds and David Beckham
Ryan Reynolds and David Beckham

Matt Lewis – The FA via Getty Images

Since buying the club, Ryan gifted his Wrexham AFC co-owner Rob a urinal at the club’s football stadium in the Welsh town, complete with commemorative plaque.

The plaque reads: “This urinal is dedicated to Robert McElhenney on his birthday – April 14. With love from Wrexham AFC, paid for by Ryan Reynolds.”

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Piers Morgan Tries To Reignite Feud With ‘Sycophantic’ David Walliams: ‘He’s Sooo Creepy’

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Piers Morgan has attempted to reignite his feud with David Walliams, labelling the Britain’s Got Talent judge “sycophantic” and “creepy”.

Piers, who used to sit on the judging panel of the ITV talent show from 2007 until 2010, didn’t hold back following the latest episode.

The TalkTV presenter has previously described David as a “treacherous piece of work” and “a snivelling today”, and he couldn’t resist having yet another dig at the former Little Britain star on Saturday night.

“Love the judging panel on @BGT – apart from David Walliams,” he wrote.

“All he does is drip & drool unctuously sycophantic drivel, and he’s soooooo creepy.”

It’s Piers’ latest attempt to try and get a rise out of David, who has kept his opinion about Piers (mostly) to himself.

Back in 2019, Piers called out the comedian and author after he liked a tweet that referenced the fake war torture pictures published in the Mirror that led to Piers losing his job as the editor of the newspaper in 2004.

Sharing a screen grab of the tweet liked by David and actress Amanda Abbington, Piers wrote: “Amusing that ⁦@davidwalliams⁩ regularly ‘likes’ the nastiest tweets about me, yet is such a snivelling toady to my face. It’s not my fault ⁦@BGT⁩ ratings were so much higher when I was in your chair Dave!”

Although David never responded, his former Little Britain co-star Matt Lucas jumped to his defence.

Matt tweeted at the time: “Purely objectively – 1) He was probably being polite. Some people are. 2) Boasting about the BGT ratings and popularity when you were briefly on it to someone who has not only transformed the show but is consistently the biggest-selling author in the country didn’t work.”

Meanwhile, BGT bosses have defended the acts on this year’s series, after it was revealed that around a quarter of them are professional performers or already have links to the show.

The show has faced criticism from viewers after it was discovered that many of the 60 competitors who have taken to the stage have a professional profile or have already appeared on other talent shows, including international versions of BGT.

Responding to the latest criticism, an ITV spokesperson told The Sun: “All acts enter the competition with the hope of elevating their career to the highest level and help to reach massive new audiences which Britain’s Got Talent brings in.

“As we’re all aware, the pandemic affected so many lives, particularly those that work in the entertainment industry, and it is wrong to deny these people the opportunity to showcase their talents and entertain the nation, and ultimately perform in front of royalty at the Royal Variety Performance.

“As has always been the case, Britain’s Got Talent is open to everyone.”

Britain’s Got Talent continues this Saturday at 8pm on ITV and the ITV Hub.

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Mick Jagger Gives His Verdict On Those Harry Styles Comparisons: ‘He Doesn’t Have A Voice Like Mine’

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Ever since Harry Styles broke away from his boyband past and launched his solo career, the comparisons to older, iconic stars have come thick and fast.

David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Prince and Mick Jagger have all obviously been an influence on Harry’s style – both musically and sartorially.

Now the Rolling Stones frontman has given his verdict on Harry channelling his early-Seventies look.

When asked about the similarities, the 78-year-old rocker told the Sunday Times that he has a “superficial resemblance”.

“I like Harry — we have an easy relationship,” her told the newspaper.

“I mean, I used to wear a lot more eye make-up than him. Come on, I was much more androgynous. And he doesn’t have a voice like mine or move on stage like me; he just has a superficial resemblance to my younger self, which is fine — he can’t help that.”

Harry released his third album, Harry’s House, on Friday to huge critical acclaim and will be showcasing many of the new songs at a special one-off gig at Bixton’s O2 Academy on Tuesday.

The critics are unanimous in their praise for singer’s third long player, describing it as “undoubtedly his best record yet”.

Harry Styles performs during a rehearsal on NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Plaza on May 19, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)
Harry Styles performs during a rehearsal on NBC’s “Today” at Rockefeller Plaza on May 19, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)

Gilbert Carrasquillo via Getty Images

Last week, Harry opened up about his two forthcoming films, revealing that he had a “pre-negotiated” penis clause in his contract.

Later this year, the singer will be seen alongside Emma Corrin in a big-screen adaptation of the novel My Policeman, as well as the psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling.

Speaking on The Howard Stern Show on SiriusXM (via ET), Harry said he appears naked in My Policeman, but did not bare all on camera due to his contract.

“It does feel vulnerable. I’d never kissed anyone on camera before and it felt like giving a part of myself away in some ways,” he said.

“I wasn’t naked in Don’t Worry Darling. I was naked in My Policeman. There’s no peen in the final cut. There’s bum bum… I don’t think the peen was intended to be involved.

“The peen, it was pre-negotiated that that would remain my own.”

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Rebel Wilson Says Male Co-Star Sexually Harassed Her, Then Tried To ‘Destroy’ Her Career

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Rebel Wilson has revealed she was once sexually harassed by a male co-star who then tried to “destroy her career”.

The Pitch Perfect star detailed the “disgusting” incident in an interview with People in which she says the actor pulled down his pants and asked her to perform a sexual act.

She did not name the actor or say what film they were in together.

“He called me into a room and pulled down his pants,” Rebel recalled.

“It was awful and disgusting,” she added. “And all the behaviour afterwards — this was all before #MeToo — where they kind of tried to destroy me and my career. If it had happened after #MeToo, then I could have just blasted them.”

The 42-year-old star, who trained as a lawyer before she found fame on screen, documented the incident and told others what had happened.

She eventually finished the film with the unnamed actor, saying she wanted to “do the right thing, be a professional” but says with hindsight, she would never do that now.

Rebel Wilson
Rebel Wilson

“Why did I stay in that situation … with that awful guy?” she said. “I should have left. It wasn’t worth it. But at the same time, I was like, ‘Oh well, do the right thing, be a professional and finish the movie.’ Now I would never do that.”

The actor says that after complaining to the film studio behind the movie, she discovered she wasn’t the first person to make a complaint.

“I thought even complaining to my agency was a big step,” she said. “And to complain to the studio. I found out I was like the fourth person to complain about the guy. Such gross behaviour, but a lot of women have had it way worse.”

Read the full interview with Rebel here.

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