Menopause Awareness Month events
04 Oct 2024
Sign up for menopause wellbeing events coming up in October and November
October marks Menopause Awareness Month, including World Menopause Day on Friday, 18 October.
The theme for World Menopause Day 2024 is Menopause Hormone Therapy, known in the UK as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). HRT is a treatment used to help menopause symptoms and replaces the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which fall to low levels as individuals approach the menopause.
- For more information visit our Menopause Support pages for Managers and colleagues.
We are actively developing our approach and support to menstrual health and menopause at the University. Menopause Awareness month provides an excellent opportunity to get the conversation going across the University, raising awareness about how we can better support colleagues who are impacted by menopause.
Events
All events are open to anyone experiencing menopause or related symptoms due to hormonal changes. We recognise that menopause affects trans and non-binary colleagues, as well as those who don't identify as women.
Thursday, 17 October
Menopause Meditation Session, 13.15 -14.00, Wellbeing Room (In-person event)
This session will be led by Anita Banerji, an experienced mindfulness teacher at the University of Manchester. Trained at Manchester Buddhist Centre and accredited by Breathworks, Anita specialises in Mindfulness for Health and Stress. She found mindfulness helpful in her own menopause journey and is volunteering to lead the session.
Suitable for those with menopausal symptoms but is not recommended for individuals with acute mental health issues, trauma, or recent bereavement without prior healthcare advice.
Friday, 18 October
Whitworth Art Gallery: Creative Menopause Event, 13:00 -16.00
Join us for afternoon of menopause inspired creativity and discussion. Brooke Foulger (P&OD Policy Manager) at the University will be available to share information about menopause support in the workplace. Take part in a variety menopause themed workshops where you can explore your menopause journey and share experiences in a safe space. Workshops include Stigma boxes with Philippa Bailey, Creative writing with Mish Green, Drawing with Rebecca O’Doherty and Mask making with Helen Clare.
Thursday, 24 October
Menopause and HRT Talk and Q&A with Dr. Shalina Khunger, The Female Health Clinic, 11:00 to 12:00 (Online event)
Dr Shalini Khunger, GP and Manchester alumna with specialist interest in Menopause. will lead an online Menopause talk specifically focusing on menopause awareness, menopause in the workplace, information relating to HRT, and BMS and NICE approved alternative therapies.
Colleagues are encouraged to submit their Q & A questions before the event to:wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk
Thursday, 21 November
Maureen Anderson and Dr. Zoe Hodson: “Our Menopause” Film Screening, Menopause Discussion with Q&A at Oddfellowes Board Room (Hybrid Option available)
There are two sessions at 10.30 – 11.30 and 13.00 -14.00
Join Dr Zoe Hodson and Maureen Anderson for a lively menopause discussion, sharing their expertise on menopause and ways of supporting self and others through the transition and beyond. During this event, we are honoured to host one of the first screenings in Manchester of ‘Our Menopause’ which is a bold and heart-warming look at the untold story of Black women’s menopause experience in the UK. Featuring a Q&A after the screening.
Dr. Zoe, a GP with an Advanced Certificate in Menopause Care, founded Manchester Menopause Hive and advocates for inclusion and diversity in menopause care, focusing on underrepresented groups.
Maureen Anderson is founder of MAMM - Menopause Moments, a socially conscious movement tackling the health inequalities that exist for black and brown people during their menopause journey.
If any colleague wishes to submit a question before the event, please email: wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk
Support
If you are experiencing menopause symptoms, we encourage you to have a conversation with your line manager to discuss how they are impacting you and what would help to support you in the workplace. We also have an active Menopause Support Group – to join please email Kathryn.bradley@manchester.ac.uk.
The following organisations offer a range of support:
- The NHS website offers detailed pages on menopause and perimenopause
- The British Menopause Society is hosting a news-style programme called ‘Menopause: Misinformation and Management’.
- Women’s Health Concern - confidential, independent service that advises women about their gynaecological, sexual and post-reproductive health.
- Healthtalk videos - hear stories of lived experience, with discussions covering memory and concertation, treatment, relationships and sex.
- Menopause Matters - award-winning website that provides a wealth of up-to-date information.
- The Menopause Charity aims to educate everybody so that menopause and perimenopause are properly understood.
- Queermenopause has a mission of raising awareness of the LGBTQIA+ experience of menopause and finding and promoting inclusive resources.