Menopause Awareness Session Gets Sector Talking
The Norfolk Community Foundation recently held an insightful event, Understanding Menopause: Awareness Session for VCSEs, aimed at empowering local voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations with essential knowledge about menopause. The session, led by Diane Danzebrink, founder of Menopause Support, brought together representatives from a dozen local organisations, fostering a supportive environment to discuss this critical but often overlooked topic.
#MakeMenopauseMatter
Diane delved into the multilayered nature of menopause, beginning with an explanation of what menopause is, when it typically occurs, and the biological reasons behind it. Diane emphasised the diversity of experiences individuals face during menopause, noting that no two journeys are exactly alike. Crucially, there was a key focus was on equipping participants with practical tools and strategies to better support clients and service users, fostering a compassionate and informed approach to meeting their needs.
“I wish I’d known this years ago. Hearing others’ stories and realising you’re not alone is incredibly powerful. It highlights how important it is to foster an open culture where people feel comfortable talking about menopause.”
“While many who work in the charitable sector are women, men make up a huge number of the leaders. It was encouraging to see male leaders at the session, and we hope that all leaders leave with a better understanding of their workforce.”
The Workplace Challenge
The session also touched on the challenges women face in the workplace during menopause. A survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development revealed startling statistics:
- 67% say menopause symptoms have a negative impact on their work.
- 17% have considered leaving their job due to menopause-related challenges.
The discussion underscored that the most critical factors for workplace support include:
- Providing accurate information about menopause.
- Ensuring employees feel acknowledged and understood.
- Offering ongoing support with policies and resources.
- Fostering a culture where employees know they’re not alone.
- Demonstrating kindness and compassion in all interactions.
About Menopause Support
Diane Danzebrink’s organisation, Menopause Support, plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. The community interest company offers one-on-one support, workplace training, and a robust online community of over 35,000 women. They also provide a wealth of free resources through their website, menopausesupport.co.uk.
[Published: 28.11.2024]