Suffolk Libraries has now launched several M-Powered support groups for anyone experiencing the menopause or perimenopause.
The groups are part of the Menopause & Me project being delivered by Suffolk Libraries in partnership with Suffolk Mind with funding by the Department for Health and Social Care.
Around 40 businesses across Suffolk have already signed Suffolk Libraries’ menopause pledge to show their commitment to provide more support for staff affected by the menopause and
The new M-Powered groups are also now offering regular friendly and informal social settings for those experiencing the menopause. The aim is to provide the opportunity for people to come together to share experiences and empower each other in a calm, relaxed environment.
The sessions are taking place in the following libraries and anyone is welcome:
Suffolk Libraries is also working with Suffolk Mind to offer a free course to help people better understand their menopausal symptoms and how to support themselves. Each session will focus on different areas of information and support to help you learn how to manage your symptoms, at home and at work.
The menopause and perimenopause affects everyone – at home and at work. It not only affects menopausal people, but their colleagues, families and friends too. According to a 2021 Bupa survey, almost one million women leave work due to menopausal symptoms.
The aims of Menopause & Me is to work with local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and people with lived experience of the menopause to increase awareness and understanding of the impact of the menopause and make sure everyone in Suffolk feels supported.
Several women who have been involved in the project from the beginning have also been sharing their stories of going through the menopause to highlight how important the project is.
Jen Evans is 45 and hosts a Menopause Café where anyone can come along for free and talk about menopause and the impact it has on their life.
It took her two and a half years from first consulting a GP about her symptoms to finally getting a prescription of hormone replacement therapy. Looking back on this difficult time Jen says:
“During this time I continued to learn; continued to discover that I wasn’t the only mid 40’s woman experiencing hormonal changes and being sent away with antidepressants and expensive scans and blood tests.
“The menopause has always been with us. Hundreds of generations have gone before us without the need for it to be highlighted like it is now, so what’s changed? Life expectancy has increased and we are now expected to work into our late 60’s even 70’s with current thinking. If we are going to do this, we need to start looking after ourselves earlier and earlier. Both physically and mentally.
"The next generation need to know that we have done what we can to help them overcome this hurdle; it doesn’t last forever, but it’s a big hurdle, and we aren’t all the same height, so it takes every person a different amount of effort to get over it.”
Mary-Jane Budd went through the menopause at 51:
“My menopause journey probably started at least eight years before then, when I started experiencing bloating. From there, symptoms associated with perimenopause became more common (e.g., itchy skin, headaches, vaginal dryness, low mood, weight gain, brain fog) and eventually I had debilitating anxiety.
“This had a big effect on my life and I found myself questioning whether I was capable of continuing with my career. I had been focusing on a senior management career pathway and after taking time off sick due to my anxiety, I realized that I would not be able to cope with the stress. A few years later, I realised even full-time work was too much for me and I decided to go down to a part-time contract. Since going part-time I have used my own experience of menopause as a springboard into becoming an advocate for women going through this life stage.
"I now run my own coaching practice where I support women at this difficult time in their lives. When I heard that Suffolk Libraries was launching Menopause & Me I was very enthused about the scheme. If women can be supported through their menopause journey by their employees, there will be less negative experiences such as mine. I would encourage businesses and individuals to seek information about the Menopause & Me scheme. The scheme will educate and raise awareness of the needs of women going through menopause and is a fantastic opportunity for SMEs to thrive.”
Terri Regent is a midlife and perimenopause coach and also a licenced menopause champion with the Menopause Experts Group. She shares her views and experience:
“My personal experience was a solitary one as I am a sole trader and also single. In retrospect I was potentially in perimenopause for a number of years without really being aware that was what it was because nobody tells you!
“Nobody should suffer in silence and every person on their menopause journey should have access to resources and education. This is why the Menopause & Me project is so very important. Menopause affects everybody either directly or indirectly so increasing awareness and the impact it can have at all levels; individual, relationship, work and community is key. A safe space where you can go to talk with people who will listen and understand can make such a difference and this is being offered at various libraries through a ‘M-Powered’ group session.
“I am excited to continue my involvement with this project and am talking about it to anybody who will listen.”
