Priscilla Du Preez
To coincide with World Menopause Awareness Day on 18th October, NHS Property Services (NHSPS) held a series of virtual and in-person ‘menopause cafés’ which provided employees with a safe space to share their concerns and experiences.
The initiative followed the successful delivery of a range of menopause-related resources by the UK government-owned property business, including the training of 12 menopause champions and the creation of an online menopause community for colleagues to reach out for support and advice.
It also builds on the recognition received by NHSPS at last year’s Inside Out Awards for Best Women’s Health Initiative in recognition of its work connected to menopause awareness.
Going through perimenopause and menopause can be a difficult journey for some women and their families. Symptoms can be severe and have an impact on daily life, including work, relationships, social and family life.
Trish Stephenson, Chief Operating Officer for NHSPS, launched the conversations at the first Menopause Café on Wednesday, 18 October. She said: “Menopause is a key issue that all women face. We want to create a safe space for any colleagues affected to talk through their experiences and support each other.
“We’re proud to have started this initiative and hope the Menopause Café will offer everyone involved a supportive environment through shared conversations surrounding health and wellbeing.”
Georgia Shaw, Culture and Inclusion Co-ordinator for NHSPS, added: “Going through perimenopause and menopause can be a difficult journey for some women and their families. Symptoms can be severe and have an impact on daily life, including work, relationships, social and family life. Alongside access to workplace adjustments, talking about it can really help, so we want to keep the conversation going.”
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