Introducing the Every Month Team: Hannah

Hannah is now one of our amazing Trustees.

This post was originally posted in 2017.

I am solicitor and I moved to Manchester over two years ago. I love all things yoga, history, travel, smashing the patriarchy and music related. I am slightly obsessed with Twin Peaks, grunge music, Yorkshire tea and Newfoundland dogs (the most AMAZING hounds!)

1.What’s your role with Every Month? What will you be doing?

 I am one of two Event Planners at Every Month, working alongside the lovely Charlotte. We will be organising and running all the events including our awesome packing events and others  to fund raise and help spread the Every Month word.

2. How did you find out about the campaign?

Like a lot of the rest of the team, I followed the brilliant Instagram account and thought what a great idea the whole concept was. As soon as there was a call for volunteers I knew I had to get involved! I also knew that I would meet a great bunch of people too and I wasn’t wrong!

3. What interested you about getting involved?

The campaign really hits on so many issues that I feel passionate about like women’s rights and trying to address poverty and homelessness. It was a no brainer to get involved in something which makes a real, tangible difference to the lives of people. Access to sanitary products is such a basic fundamental right that slips under the radar when considering issues which homeless people face – anything that tries to address that and raise awareness of the issue is fantastic and very much needed.

4. Where do you hope the campaign will be in a year’s time? 

 I hope the campaign has spread far and wide and reached many more people locally and beyond Manchester. I also hope we are able to open up the discussion on menstruation and poverty and host some great speakers to help spread the message.

5. Who are you inspired by?

 I am 100% inspired by my mum. She is an absolute powerhouse of a woman! Her strength knows no bounds and she’s bloody hilarious! I am also inspired by anyone who lives their life completely unapologetically and just for them.

6. What books/documentaries/films etc do you recommend to everyone?

Everyone should read ‘Women Who Run with the Wolves’ by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Film-wise, there will be always be a special place in my heart for Labyrinth and Dumb & Dumber. Not very high brow I know, but both remind me of being a kid! My favourite book is 1984 – it inspired me to study History at university and to question everything.

7. What change would you like to see in the way menstruation is currently discussed?

Adverts for sanitary products need to stop featuring girls on rollerblades and get real about what it is to have a period. It has to stop being whispered about in hushed tones and should be discussed more in school. Parents also need to take responsibility for how the topic is discussed. It’s as natural to buy sanitary products as it is to buy loo roll so why is menstruation still considered taboo?!

8 What would you tell your younger self about periods?

Thankfully I grew up in a house where it was no big deal and I could freely ask any questions. I know from discussing this with friends that not everyone is so lucky. I guess I would remind my younger self and friends that there is nothing to be ashamed of.

9. What helps you most when you’re on your period?

A good stretch and a nice cup of tea.

10. Anything you’d like to add?

Keep your eyes peeled for some great events (and go google Newfoundlands!)