TOG Mind and Manchester Mind advocates stress the need for awareness, support, and understanding.
World Menopause Day, observed annually on October 18, is a global platform to raise awareness about menopause and its multifaceted impact on our lives. This natural biological transition signifies the end of reproductive years, accompanied by a decline in hormone production.
Mind Org, a mental health charity partnership is offering innovative funded support packages around menopause, to local individuals and SMEs for free.
This exciting project, operating throughout Greater Manchester which is being led by Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind, has already benefitted hundreds of individuals. However, the dedicated staff from the five local branches of Mind (Tameside, Oldham and Glossop (TOG), Rochdale, Salford, Stockport and Manchester) are committed to extending this assistance to thousands over the next 12 months.
Their goal is to reach as many individuals and small businesses (SMEs) as possible.
Ruth Rosselson, Resilience Coordinator at Manchester Mind, and Leanne Flannigan, Learning and Development Manager at TOG Mind (Tameside, Oldham, Glossop) emphasise the importance of understanding that menopause encompasses not just physical changes but also emotional and psychological shifts. Supporting individuals during this phase is paramount, they said.
"Menopause is natural and is experienced by all women, more or less. However, it has been hugely stigmatised and is something that really hasn't been spoken about before the last two or three years. Other than our peer group, we never spoke about it. My mother certainly never spoke about it at all. So, it's incredibly important that we make it something that is easy to talk about. Just as mental health itself has been stigmatised, I think menopause needs to be a little more talked about. And that is why awareness days like World Menopause Day are so important."
The advocates said that open conversations about menopause contribute to an environment of understanding, promoting overall well-being for women undergoing this natural process.
In addition to their outreach and in-person engagement efforts, the team will launch a new dedicated Facebook and Instagram page for the project on Wednesday, 18th October 2023, in conjunction with World Menopause Day. The array of free-funded training and workshops includes sessions on Mindfulness and Relaxation, Supporting Employees through the Menopause, and Menopause Awareness for Staff, as well as specific awareness programmes for BAME communities.
These sessions are available both in-person and online:
Supporting Employees Through the Menopause
Thursday 9th November: 9.30am – 11.30am
Monday 20th November: 9.30am – 11.30am
Menopause Awareness for Staff
Thursday 9th November: 12pm – 1.30pm
Thursday 30th November: 2.30pm – 4pm
In a world where women continue to make significant strides across various fields, recognising and supporting them during menopause and everyone going through this journey, directly or indirectly, is an integral part of holistic well-being.
*For more information and resources on menopause, individuals can contact TOG Mind: 0161 330 9223 menopauseproject@togmind.org; https://www.facebook.com/TamesideOldhamGlossopMind and Manchester Mind: https://www.gmmind.org.uk/menopause-project/
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