The University of Sussex Students’ Union has taken a major step in supporting menstrual equity by becoming the first students’ union in the UK to install Pads on a Roll, a groundbreaking in-cubicle period product dispenser.
Dignified Access to Period Products
Pads on a Roll was designed to provide dignified, in-cubicle access to period products—just like toilet paper. Traditional options, such as coin-operated dispensers or baskets by the sink, often fall short in terms of convenience and accessibility. The initiative ensures that students have access to free period products exactly where they need them, removing barriers and reinforcing Sussex’s commitment to inclusivity.
Sussex Students’ Union does an amazing job of making every student feel at home from day one. The small things that aren’t so small—like initiatives such as Pads on a Roll—go a long way in living out the values of inclusivity and sending a powerful message that everyone belongs here.
— Niamh D’Arcy, Sussex alum who played a key role in bringing the project to campus
Growing Global Impact
Pads on a Roll has already had a significant impact globally, with installations in over 1,800 schools in the US and growing demand across sectors such as airports, stadiums, councils, the NHS, and workplaces. Sussex’s installation marks an exciting milestone in expanding this innovation across the UK.
Student Response
Pads on a Roll dispensers are installed in bathroom stalls throughout the Students’ Union building. Feedback collected via QR codes on the dispensers highlights how valued students feel having free period products available without stigma or hassle. The project is more than just practical—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels supported and able to thrive.
About Egal Pads on a Roll
Egal Pads on a Roll delivers quality period protection in the same way that a toilet roll dispenses tissue. Our dispensers can be installed in educational institutions, public facilities, and workplaces to ensure that period products are always accessible when needed, helping to create more inclusive environments.