Independent library service charity Suffolk Libraries has launched a ‘Menopause and Me’ programme to help employees experiencing the menopause and perimenopause.
Suffolk Libraries partnered with mental health charity Suffolk Mind, which offers a free to access template for implementing a workplace menopause policy, help with creating a menopause-friendly workplace, and support for open conversations on the subject. It will also send a member of staff on fully funded online menopause training.
Meanwhile, the business’ website will also provide a range of dedicated resources designed to support those with lived experience of the menopause through courses and support groups.
The initiative, which was launched at a celebration event at Ipswich Town Football Club, was funded with £170,000 from the Department of Health and Social Care’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Health and Wellbeing Fund. This was created to help people to remain in or return to the workplace through and following pregnancy, pregnancy loss or menopause, as per the Women’s Health Strategy for England.
Jane Cox, community mental health and wellbeing manager at Suffolk Libraries, said: “We have spent the last three months speaking to employers and people with experience of the menopause to design this project, so are very excited to be launching it. Employees who are most likely to experience the menopause or perimenopause usually have a great deal of skill, knowledge and experience to bring to our workplaces.
“Therefore, it’s vital that we all work together to support staff when they might be experiencing perimenopausal symptoms. We hope to use this launch event to raise awareness of the project and would encourage all businesses in Suffolk to find out more.”