Staff supported by Menopause Champions
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai has appointed a group of menopause champions to support fellow staff members experiencing perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
The Menopause Champions will act as advocates, offering a confidential space for colleagues to discuss how they’re feeling and providing guidance on available resources and support. They will also play an active role in raising awareness and fostering open conversations about menopause, ensuring it becomes an integrated part of the workplace culture.
Jenny Davies, Staff Wellbeing Officer at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, explained,
“I believe that by focusing on the menopause and championing open discussion, we can help to support staff and ensure that they feel well-informed on the topic.
Menopause is a part of life that affects everyone in some way - by either going through it, or working with someone who does - so it’s absolutely essential that we as Champions raise awareness of the symptoms and the challenges that women going through the menopause may experience.”
The menopause champions attended an interactive 1.5 hour training session, covering information about the menopause; the symptoms and stages; the impact it can have on work as well as more generally; and the treatments.
The session also covered the roles and responsibilities of the menopause champions; Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Menopause policy, and the Staff Wellbeing Menopause hub page.
Ffion Hewson, food technologist and menopause champion, said,
“I’ve worked for Grŵp Llandrillo Menai for about 10 years as a Food Technologist, and I’ve experienced symptoms of perimenopause since I was about 45 years old, and it hasn't been easy. I've had to adjust my lifestyle to ease my symptoms and I've learnt a lot in the process, so I’m keen to share my knowledge and help others.
I find that exercise helps me in particular , and because of this I founded 'WedWod' - a weekly crossfit style workout that I coach for staff. The workouts are inclusive of all abilities, as any movement can be changed to suit the individual on the day. We have a warm up into a 20 minutes workout - and then a chance to chat at the end”.
In addition to the Menopause Champions initiative, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai has established a perimenopause and menopause support group. The group is open to anyone experiencing menopause, as well as those who wish to support a partner, relative, or friend. The group is also open to individuals who are post-menopause and willing to share their experiences and insights with others.
