A BEAUTY bar in Holywell will be offering support to young women with free sanitary products.

Paint Me Pretty by Bethan, a new business that will soon be open on Holywell’s high street, is offering a small basket of free sanitary products for customers, helping to tackle the bigger issue of period poverty.

Bethan Ireland, who owns the beauty salon, said: “As I am opening Holywell’s first microblading clinic, I wanted to do something a little different.

“I was really shocked to hear about period poverty and how it affects girls so close to home, so whilst I am able to help I will.

“It costs around £10 for me to fill these baskets but, if it helps just one girl go to school, I am happy and do not care how often it needs refilling.

“We have got an open-door policy for toilets and these baskets will remain fully stocked. I would encourage young girls and women to take as much as they need.”

The beautician posted a picture on her social media page of the basket which received lots of praise from customers as a “lovely gesture” and “brilliant idea”.

One user also commented: “As someone who suffers, this kind of safe place without embarrassment would be amazing and make it much more likely not to stay locked in house every month! You’re a fantastic human being!”

The Leader previously reported that First Minister Mark Drakeford announced on April 13 that thousands of primary and secondary schoolgirls will benefit from free sanitary products across Wales thanks to £2.3million Welsh Government funding for The Period Dignity Grant for Schools.

Mr Drakeford said: “We are committed to supporting period dignity and maintaining our investment in schools to help bring period poverty to an end.

“It is essential ample sanitary products, as well as good facilities, are available to all female learners so they can manage their periods with confidence and remove what is an unnecessary barrier to their education.”

Recent figures show that 15 per cent of girls struggle to afford sanitary products, 14 per cent have had to borrow from their friend and almost 20 per cent have had to use a less suitable product because cost was an issue.