As well as offering free period care products at all its stations and offices, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has become the first UK train operator to offer them on its trains.

The company’s decision to offer the product follows research that found one in five people had experienced a time when they needed them but couldn’t access any.

Customers can now find where environmentally friendly TOTM organic period products are available from with eye-catching stickers displayed in customer toilets both onboard and in the company’s First Class lounges.

A ‘Package for a Friend’ scheme was originally introduced at London King’s Cross Station. It was devised by LNER colleagues who recognised that everyone needing period care products should have access to them in their time of need.

The scheme has now been expanded to include all of the trains, managed stations, and offices, and are part of it’s ‘A Better Journey’ initiative, which commits London North Eastern Railway to embed equality and sustainability into everything it does.

Anyone on a train who requires TOTM period products can request them from a team member or order a ‘Package for a Friend’ directly from their phone through the company’s ‘Let’s Eat At Your Seat’ catering service using a QR code. An LNER colleague will discreetly deliver the product to customers at their seats.

Research commissioned by LNER showed that almost a quarter of those surveyed who needed period products either for themselves or someone else were unable to access any, and around half of those needing access to them were travelling on public transport at the time, with 57 percent of those on a train.

East Midlands Railways runs a similar “period dignity” scheme at its stations, and Network Rail is doing the same at the stations it manages.

We’re incredibly proud to offer free TOTM period products to both customers and colleagues.

Customer feedback, supported by research, highlighted the upset that can be experienced by not having access to period products.

We believe everyone should be able to travel with confidence and in comfort and providing free, environmentally friendly products to anyone who needs them is just one way we can provide support, help the planet and break down barriers and stigma.

Gill McKay, LNER On Train Delivery Manager who has been involved in ‘Package for a Friend’ since its inception

As a leading ethical period care brand, we developed our pioneering corporate scheme back in 2018 with the goal to make period products widely available, so nobody has to face the stressful situation of getting caught short without any tampons or pads.

We are really excited to be working with LNER to champion period comfort, wellbeing and dignity across their trains, stations and offices.

By giving their customers and employees access to our certified organic cotton period care products, LNER are leading the way in not only supporting periods but also doing this in an environmentally-friendly way.

We’re thrilled to be a part of this journey!.

Kiley Yale, leader of TOTM’s Period Positive Workplace Scheme and Head of Sales