Despite somewhat of a wait for the pledge to come into a reality at Newcastle University, there is finally a date set for the launch of the new tampon vending machines.
The machines will offer two varieties of tampons and two varieties of sanitary pad, accessed by presenting a student card.
Previously, emergency packs have been made available in the Students' Union, but from late November items will be provided across campus for any students who need them. The machines, which were proposed to be erected in the two main libraries, the Sports Centre, the Students' Union and other locations across campus, will offer two varieties of tampons and two varieties of sanitary pad for women in an emergency, accessed by presenting a student card.
The confirmation of these plans in March was made by previous Union President, Raff Marioni, whose pledge for free sanitary items across campus was a main point in his manifesto for the position as President for 2018/19.
Current President of the Students' Union, Katie Smyth, issued a thank you to everyone who was involved in making this happen, including 'previous Sabbatical Officers, Liberation Officers, members of the Student Council, members of societies, and the University'. She also hoped that the new machines will have a positive effect on the student experience at Newcastle University.