The Cyber Agony Aunts, Amelia Hewitt and Rebecca Taylor, have launched Periods of Kindness, a Christmas campaign encouraging the cybersecurity community to come together to tackle period poverty across the UK.
The initiative invites individuals and organisations to donate essential period products, which will be distributed to four charities and community organisations supporting people experiencing financial hardship and other challenges.
Period poverty remains a significant issue in the UK. According to ActionAid’s 2026 UK poll, more than one in ten women and people who menstruate struggled to afford period products in the past year, with almost a quarter of those affected staying at home as a result. Some have been forced to use products for longer than is safe or rely on alternatives such as toilet paper or newspaper.
Through Periods of Kindness, Hewitt and Taylor, who are authors and hosts of the (2026 Security Serious Unsung Heroes winning) Cyber Agony Aunts podcast, hope to harness the generosity of the cybersecurity industry to make a difference beyond the sector.
For Hewitt, who has spoken openly about her experiences with endometriosis, menstrual health is also a deeply personal issue.
“Many of us can get through a working day without ever worrying whether we can afford period products. But for too many people, that simply isn’t the case. A period can mean missing school or work, making do with something unsafe, or choosing between products and food. No one should have to live like that,” said Hewitt.
“Periods of Kindness is our way of turning that awareness into action, so more people can get on with their lives with dignity.”
Taylor added: “I feel passionately that no one deserves to experience period poverty. I want us to bring the same care we have for people in our cyber community to those beyond it, too. You don’t have to work in cyber to join us: if you can donate or share the appeal, you can be part of something incredible this Christmas.”
Supporting Four Organisations
Donations collected through the campaign will benefit four organisations working to support vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
- RBKares – Royal Borough of Kingston Cares: A volunteer-run charity providing practical assistance to people in need, including those experiencing homelessness, refugees and care home residents.
- Alana House: A Reading-based women’s community project run by Parents And Children Together (PACT), offering confidential support to women facing multiple disadvantages and complex needs.
- Reading College: Part of Activate Learning, the college will receive essential period products to support disadvantaged students.
- Freedom4girls: A charity tackling period poverty through product donations, menstrual health education and awareness campaigns, with initiatives in the UK, Kenya and Uganda.
How the Cybersecurity Community Can Get Involved
Supporters can contribute to the campaign by purchasing period products through a dedicated Amazon wishlist until 31 December 2026. Those unable to donate are encouraged to share the appeal with colleagues, friends and their wider networks.
The donated products will be packed for distribution on 22 January 2027, during an event hosted by UK managed cybersecurity provider Custodian360.
Nikki Webb, Director at Custodian360, commented: “We’re so happy to support Periods of Kindness and to host the packing day for this thoughtful campaign. No one should have to go without essential period products, and we’re delighted to stand alongside Amelia, Rebecca and the wider cyber community to help. It’s a chance to come together, give back and show what kindness can look like in action.”
The campaign is open to everyone, whether they work in cybersecurity or simply want to contribute to the cause.
To support Periods of Kindness, visit the campaign’s Amazon wishlist before 31 December 2026.
