Leading up to this year’s World Menopause Day in October, we spoke to Amanda Finn, Organisational Development Adviser, about the importance of creating an environment where colleagues can openly and comfortably start a conversation or engage in discussions about the menopause.

As well as our Menopause Policy, there’s a range of resources colleagues can access via our ‘Let’s talk menopause’ intranet site – from information and guidance, to workshops where staff can engage in discussion with others across the University.

Amanda Finn

We caught up with Amanda to find out all about the support on offer here at Durham…

Why did you get involved in the work around supporting menopause at the University?

I’ve been involved in menopause in the workplace support for managers and individuals in previous roles, both in higher education and the NHS, and wanted to be able to share that with staff here at Durham.

Menopause shouldn’t be taboo or ‘hidden’. I would like everyone at the University to understand what menopause is, and to be able to talk about it openly, without embarrassment.

Tell us more about the University’s Menopause Policy…

Our Menopause Policy aims to support colleagues who are experiencing menopausal symptoms to feel more confident to discuss them and ask for support, and any reasonable alterations at work so they can continue to be successful in their roles.

The policy is also designed to inform managers about the potential symptoms of the menopause and how they can support their team in the workplace.

Colleagues can access the policy on our Let’s talk menopause intranet site.

Where can colleagues access information and support?

We have lots of information over on our Let’s talk menopause intranet site. This includes links to websites that might be useful, five-minute guides and book recommendations, as well as podcasts and news articles.  

We also have a Teams site, called ‘Hot and Bothered’ with up-to-date information on menopause and other wellbeing initiatives. Again, take a look at the intranet site to join. 

How can colleagues get involved or find out more?

We commemorate World Menopause Day in October every year with one of our monthly Wellbeing Cafés being dedicated to all things menopause. Keep a look out for information in the weekly newsletter and DU Hub intranet for more information.

We also have two workshops as part of our HROD Open Course Programme. Our ‘Menopause for Managers’ course and our 'Let’s talk menopause' workshop, which staff can attend to learn more.

I’d like to reiterate that any colleague - whatever their gender – can attend to learn about the menopause. The more people who are aware of the issues, the more people can be supported.

Colleagues can look out for the launch of the Open Course Programme shortly, with our next workshops taking place in November.

We also have an e-learning course called Menopause at Work, which looks at the common symptoms and long-term effects of the menopause and sets out key steps that organisations can take to raise awareness and support staff.

What are the practical steps that women can take if they think they need help?

Have a look at the information on our SharePoint intranet site, talk to your manager about your menopausal symptoms, but most importantly, seek medical advice and guidance from your GP or specialist nurse.

There’s a helpful guide to talking to your GP on our Let’s talk menopause site.

What would be the one piece of advice you’d give to people around menopause support at Durham?

I would say that the University is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone and wants to encourage an environment in which colleagues can openly and comfortably start a conversation or engage in discussions about menopause. So I’d say it’s good to talk about menopause and share experiences.

Menopause is a natural part of life, and it’s not always an easy transition. With the right support, it can be much better.

Find out more

• Visit the Let’s talk menopause intranet site.
• Read the University’s Menopause Policy.
• Visit the Health and Wellbeing Hub.