In celebration of World Menopause Day (18 October), we are launching our new Menopause Working Group!
As part of our ongoing commitment to colleague wellbeing, we are pleased to announce a new working group, focused on providing training and support, for menopause.
Menopause is a significant life stage that affects a large percentage of our colleagues. It is the point in time that marks the end of a person’s menstrual cycles. While it is a natural process, it can sometimes bring challenges that impact both personal and professional aspects of an individual’s life. By fostering a better understanding of menopause and its effects, we aim to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace environment.
The role of the Menopause Working Group:
At the Menopause Working Group, our mission is to create a workplace environment where every colleague feels informed, valued, and supported as they navigate the various stages of menopause. We aim to provide extensive information and foster an open dialogue around menopause, ensuring that no colleague feels isolated during this significant period in their life.
What progress have we made so far?
- A brand-new menopause policy
- Collated a list of resources that can extend your knowledge and understanding of menopause
- Have now provided complimentary sanitary products in colleague toilets
- In progress: a route for visitors to receive complimentary sanitary products for emergencies while on site – look out for our “Ask Bab” notices coming soon in both the Worker’s Institute and Visitor Centre toilets
- Arranged for all colleagues to receive in-person menopause training in the January Shutdown
- Arranged for Line Managers to receive training (both in-person and online) to further understand menopause and how to spot the signs, offering support to those that may require this to take place in late November. A Manager Menopause Guidebook is also in progress and will be ready to share at the training
- Nominated two interim menopause champions: Rory Shannon (Enterprise Manager) and Jo Turner (Executive Assistant).
In the pipeline:
- In early next year, we plan to host voluntary drop-in sessions on menopause and other related matters, e.g. endometriosis, early menopause, menopause and race, menopause and transgender, living with someone going through the menopause and general menopause discussion groups
- We are building on resources, including podcasts, support groups and useful apps, to support a range of menopause matters
- Identify additional menopause champions
What are our commitments to you?
- Confidential support will be available, including Perkbox’s Museum Employee Assistance Scheme (EAP), Mental Health First Aiders, and of course our new team representatives. Ensuring employees have a safe space to ask questions and seek guidance
- Create awareness through visuals to break down taboos and promote open conversations (available in rest areas)
- Educational training, including workshops and seminars, will become available soon to provide accurate information about menopause and its effects
What we need from you:
- Would you like to be a menopause champion? Get in touch at [email protected]
- Let us know of any good practice you have come across, as it could be transferred to our Menopause Working Group. Get in touch at [email protected]
- Please thoroughly read the menopause policy once it has been launched
The Menopause Working Group
- Sukhi Baden – Head of People and Culture
- Jo Turner – Executive Assistant
- Kate Kirkpatrick – Corporate Sales and Development Manager
- Annie-Rose Pitman – Digital and Marketing Administrator
- Izzy Taylor – Public Programming Manager
- Rory Shannon – Enterprise Manager
- Bryce Beasley – Historic Character
[embeddoc url=”http://intranet.bclm.com/wp-content/uploads/BCLM-Menopause-Policy.pdf” download=”all” viewer=”google”]
[embeddoc url=”http://intranet.bclm.com/wp-content/uploads/Menopause-Working-Group-Resources.pdf” download=”all” viewer=”google”]
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