A partnership led by the University of Exeter, Exmouth Town Council and Devon Communities Together has launched a 12-month research project into the impact of reusable period products. This project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), to improve menstrual health and tackle period poverty in Exmouth through community-led research.
The project will explore how reusable menstrual products could reduce financial pressures, improve menstrual health and cut environmental waste, while recognising that they are not suitable or practical for everyone.
Period poverty is a growing issue across the UK, with around one in five people who menstruate struggling to afford or access essential period products. Coastal communities can face additional challenges due to seasonal employment, financial insecurity and reduced access to services, making Exmouth an important location for this research.
Over the next 12 months, researchers will work with local young adults, alongside schools, youth organisations and community groups, using surveys, focus groups and community mapping to identify practical ways to improve menstrual health support locally.
The study will begin recruiting participants aged 16–29 who live or work in Exmouth from winter 2026, with recruitment advertised through local schools, youth centres, social media and community partners. Anyone interested in taking part will be able to find out more via Exmouth Town Council and Devon Communities Together in the coming months.
Rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all solution, the research will examine where reusable menstrual products may offer benefits and where they may be unsuitable, ensuring future recommendations reflect the diverse needs and experiences of young people.
The findings will help shape future local initiatives, inform public health policy and create a model that could be replicated in coastal and semi-rural communities across the UK.
Dr Louise Venables, Exmouth Town Councillor and lead researcher, said:
“This research gives us an exciting opportunity to listen directly to young people and understand what support would make the biggest difference. We want to ensure any future initiatives are led by evidence and shaped by the community, helping to reduce period poverty while improving health, wellbeing and environmental outcomes.”
The research team includes Professor Gemma Sharp, reproductive health expert and leader of the 4M Consortium; Dr Louise Venables, lead researcher and Exmouth Town Councillor; Dr David Francis Hunt, implementation science specialist; Zoey Cooper, Climate Officer at Exmouth Town Council; Devon Communities Together, leading community engagement; and Community Researcher Zoe Nicholas, who will help ensure local voices shape the project.
Funded by the NIHR, the project – formally titled “Feasibility of reusable period products to support menstrual health, equity and sustainability” – is now underway and represents an exciting opportunity to place Exmouth at the forefront of community-led menstrual health research, helping to shape future policy and practice for coastal communities across the UK.
The study will recruit participants starting in November 2026, advertising via Exmouth Town Council’s social media channels (Facebook and Instagram). If you would like to take part, please contact us on 01395 276167 or email climate@exmouth.gov.uk.
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