A conference raising awareness of period dignity and how periods can be more ‘green’ will be hosted by New Vic Borderlines in partnership with Period Power next month.
Following on from their previous project, Seeing Red, which raised awareness of period poverty on a local, national and global scale, Seeing Red Going Green will also explore greener ways of managing periods.
Taking place at the New Vic Theatre on Tuesday 4 June from 10.30am to 3.00pm, the conference will feature presentations from leading academics and researchers in the field of period poverty and speeches from inspirational women in sport, activism and business.
Alongside this, pupils from schools and colleges across Staffordshire including Clayton Hall Academy, Madeley High School, Newfriars College, Newcastle College (NSCG) and Ormiston Meridian Academy will contribute to the discussion through drama, dance, music and spoken word performances.
This will be followed by a presentation of Period Power’s new drama commission Seeing Red Going Green Saving Nemo! and some interactive workshops exploring barriers in period dignity and possible solutions.
All attendees will receive a postcard designed by local students where they can pen their own pledge of ‘green’ action.
The event has been realised with funding from The Mercer Family Charitable Foundation.
New Vic Borderlines Director Sue Moffat said: “Our partnership with Period Power gives us an important opportunity to engage with young people across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire around issues of period poverty and the impact on the environment of some products. The Seeing Red Going Green project has allowed young people to explore the barriers to accessing environmentally friendly period products, and even try them out, becoming peer champions. The Seeing Red Going Green conference provides the opportunity for these young people to express their ideas creatively and powerfully.”
Period Power Founder and Trustee Linda Allbutt said: “I am delighted that Period Power together with New Vic Borderlines will be holding their second regional conference. We are being supported by a number of local schools and colleges who will be performing at the conference. A special thanks to The Mercer Family Charitable Foundation for their funding for this event.”
The Seeing Red Going Green conference at the New Vic Theatre on Tuesday 4 June 2024 from 10.30am to 3.00pm is free to attend. Places are currently on a waitlist, you can register your interest here.