Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Women’s Health Ambassador for England, has hailed an innovative period product initiative introduced by LNER as “groundbreaking”.

The scheme won a prestigious award last night at the railway industry’s Oscars.

In 2024, LNER became the first train operator to offer free period care products on its trains, allowing customers to order them direct to their seat. They can also be picked up at the Cafe Bar by asking for a “Package for a Friend”.

Dame Lesley, said: “I wanted to offer my warmest congratulations to the team at LNER who will receive the customer excellence award for their groundbreaking initiative to make period products available to passengers on their trains. The ‘Package for a Friend’ scheme was first introduced by LNER staff in Kings Cross who recognised that everyone should have access to period products whenever they needed them.  Most importantly, the leadership that LNER staff have shown is resulting in this initiative being adopted by other train operators in response to the appreciative feedback from customers and staff who have benefited from the scheme.”

Tracey Barber, Senior EDI Business Partner for LNER, said: “Every week we help dozens of our customers access emergency period products. Previously they would have had no choice but to suffer an uncomfortable journey. I’m delighted that ‘Package For a Friend’ has been recognised by the National Rail Awards and I’m so proud to see it now rolling out across other train operators”

‘Package For a Friend’ won the Customer Service Excellence Award at the National Rail Awards in London.