AN idea sparked by students at Grays Convent to help improve facilities for women locally is now a reality.

Local rail operator, c2c has announced the installation of the first complimentary period care product dispenser on its route through Thurrock, marking the start of a successful community project with local schools.

After sponsoring Thurrock Council's Youth Inspire Hub 2023 programme of 'Thurrock's Next Top Boss,' c2c committed to bring the winning project by 'Team c2Sanitary' from Grays Convent to life, rolling out period care product dispensers in customer and colleague toilets across the network in partnership with sustainable period care firm, Here We Flo.

The first dispenser has now been installed at Grays station, with help from the school team and representatives from c2c, Here We Flo and Thurrock Council attending.

Last year, the 13th Thurrock's Next Top Boss programme set schools and colleges in Thurrock a business challenge to create a project which would help c2c increase community support and engagement.

Team 'c2Sanitary' were eventually crowned winners, despite facing some tough competition.

As part of the initiative, c2Sanitary had already secured a potential supplier, Here We Flo. So, upon winning the competition, the two organisations and the group of young people began to work together to bring the project to life.

This was achieved through holding regular planning meetings and reviews in the lead up to the new dispenser's installation.

The school group took charge of marketing and branding decisions, designing the Here We Flo, c2Sanitary and c2c multi-branded dispensers - which will be installed across the route over the coming weeks.

Rob Mullen, Managing Director at c2c, said: "We're incredibly proud to be part of something with such an important focus and impressive legacy. It has been a real privilege to work with the c2Sanitary team and Here We Flo to bring this project from presentation to platform, an initiative that will bring a tangible benefit to the local community. I hope team c2Sanitary are really proud of what they've achieved; what an amazing thing to put on your CV!"

The dispenser has been installed at Grays station.

Here We Flo's co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Susan Allen Augustin, added: "It has been so brilliant working with c2c and the c2Sanitary team to bring their vision to life. Our mission at Here We Flo is to create a world where people feel crazy confident and empowered about their messiest moments, this is a massive step in making that a reality. We are so grateful that the c2sanitary team chose us as their partner for this project and we hope that c2c's customers enjoy their shamelessly natural care!"

Mrs Penny Johnson, Headteacher of Grays Convent, said: "Thurrock's Next Top Boss gives young people an opportunity to work with employers on real business challenges. This is a great example in practice of the outcome of such a programme. This fantastic opportunity was won by an amazing group of young women, each of whom have shown leadership and dedication, while drastically improving services for young women as a result. I am very grateful to Here We Flo and to c2c staff who have spearheaded the opportunities."

Mark Sexton, Chair of the Thurrock's Next Top Boss Strategy Board and Director of Thurrock Hammers Speedway Club, joined the group for the installation.

He said: "The whole event is a superb example of businesses working together collaboratively with the local community and young people.

"The idea that the students produced will benefit thousands of people locally, nationally and hopefully internationally. The Strategy Board would like to thank c2c for their support of Thurrock's Next Top Boss - it is fantastic to be part of an industry-leading initiative."

To mark the official launch of the new project, check out the video: