Wednesday 18 October is World Menopause Day and Suffolk Libraries is reminding everyone across Suffolk of the additional support, information and activities now on offer through its Menopause & Me programme.
Menopause & Me is a project being delivered by Suffolk Libraries in partnership with Suffolk Mind with funding by the Department for Health and Social Care.
The idea is to provide additional support, guidance and resources to people in Suffolk experiencing the menopause and perimenopause. The programme also includes helping local businesses to do more for employees affected by the menopause.
A lot has already been achieved since March Menopause & Me was launched in March:
Suffolk Libraries has also launched a series of My Menopause blogs to share the experiences of people who have been through or are going through the menopause.
Debs Crelly is one of those who has written a Menopause blog for the Suffolk Libraries website. Debs has worked within the NHS for nearly 30 years and also founded the MyPause menopause support group. She helped Suffolk Libraries launch Menopause & Me back in March and says:
“It has been my absolute pleasure to be associated with the Menopause & Me project team. I really wish to congratulate them on this fantastic and much needed programme which will positively make a difference to the lives of so many menopausal people across Suffolk.”
Jane Cox, Suffolk Libraries Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager, said:
“World Menopause Day is a great opportunity for everyone to talk about the menopause and perimenopause – as not enough people do! We’re really pleased with how our Menopause & Me project has developed so far and I’m sure that together with Suffolk Mind we’ve already made a positive difference to the lives of many people in Suffolk.
"We’re particularly keen to encourage more people to join our M-Powered library groups. These ae a great opportunity to share experiences and support each other. If this is the first time you’re hearing about our project please, please check out our resources or join one of our groups. There is help and support out there.”
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.
World Menopause Day is co-ordinated by the International Menopause Society to raise awareness of the menopause and the support available to everyone for improving their health and wellbeing when going through the menopause. October is also Menopause Awareness Month.
For more information about Menopause & Me and other resources and organisation which can help, visit our Menopause & Me page.
M-Powered groups run 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 run in Gainsborough, Chantry, Newmarket, Stowmarket and Kesgrave libraries and anyone is welcome. For full dates and details contact the library or visit our website.
Suffolk Libraries would like to hear from anyone else keen to share their experiences via the My Menopause blogs.
