To mark Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Marble Arch London BID is working in partnership with Imperial Health Charity to run a donation drive in aid of patients at St Mary’s Hospital. Between Monday 27 May and Friday 7 June, there will be donation boxes in the Waitrose Edgware Road store and at Marble Arch House for sanitary pads and tampons.

Research by the NHS has found that period poverty affects an estimated one in ten girls. This can cause particular anxiety for those in hospital, where the embarrassment and discomfort can create additional stress.

As part of this collection drive you are also encouraged to donate items of clothing, suitable for children aged 5 – 14. When children are admitted to hospital in trauma situations their clothing may have to be ripped or torn so that emergency treatment can be provided. A bank of comfortable clothing means children and teenagers don’t have to remain in gowns whilst recovering. These donations also reduce the burden on families to bring extra clothes from home. The hospital frequently receives items for babies and very young children, so this collection is specifically looking for items for older children.

We are delighted to be working with the Marble Arch London BID to raise awareness of this important issue and to provide a much-needed supply of sanitary products and clothing for patients at St Mary’s.

Ian Lush, Chief Executive of Imperial Health Charity

Sanitary items can be donated at Waitrose Edgware Road throughout the week and sanitary items and children’s clothing can be dropped at the reception desk in Marble Arch House, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. All items will be collected by Imperial Health Charity. Imperial Health Charity supports the five London hospitals of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, including St Mary’s and the Western Eye.

For more information about this campaign, please contact the Marble Arch Community Programme Team on community@marble-arch.london.