There are many symptoms you can experience while in perimenopause and menopause. From anxiety and brain fog, to migraines, dizziness, tinnitus, aches and pains and difficulty sleeping. The list goes on.

We started our menopause support group to offer support to anyone going through this stage of life (or anyone interested in understanding more about it), to help you feel less alone at work. You can find details on how to sign up further down this page.

You will also find helpful resources on this page to help you whether you're experiencing menopause yourself, or are simply interested in finding out more about it and the support we offer at the University.

The University values, promotes and celebrates inclusion, challenging discrimination and putting equality, diversity and belonging at the heart of everything we do. We promote staff wellbeing at work by providing information, advice, and support to create a community and workplace that is thriving, sustainable and safe. Improving our menopause support is a big part of putting inclusivity and wellbeing centre stage.

Perimenopause/menopause is something every woman will experience as part of life. Transgender women can also experience symptoms of menopause and we are here to support them too. Menopause is not always an easy transition, and for those who suffer from symptoms, the right support at work can make a big difference.

About the group

We have a dedicated Teams group for sharing information and supporting each other. We also host optional in-person and virtual catch ups if you'd like to connect with other colleagues face-to-face.

We are not medical experts and as such we encourage members to describe, not prescribe. We are here to point members to where help and support is available. We are all individuals, whether that’s our menopause experience, personal preferences, or medical history. So, your GP is your first port of call to discuss treatments.

Confidentiality is paramount and any discussions, both on the Team or in our meetups, stay within the group.

"I have felt supported and listened to. The network provides a safe place (non judgemental) with open dialogue, providing value in learning from others and being able to give back, too." Group member

Our group objectives

We have five core objectives for our group:

1. To create a community where people can share experiences, support each other and learn.
2. To listen and understand the diverse experiences of perimenopause/menopause.
3. To enable those experiencing menopause symptoms to feel confident to discuss it and ask for support.
4. To change mindsets and attitudes towards menopause.
5. To develop understanding and support of menopause at work issues among people managers and colleagues.

We host a meet up every month − alternating between in-person and virtually, over Teams. Meetings take place over lunchtime and are informal. You can drop in whenever you feel like it. If you'd like to join us for tea, biscuits and a friendly chat with colleagues at a similar stage of life, please get in touch to be added to the Teams group, where we communicate meet up dates.

“I was recently diagnosed with early menopause. It was difficult to receive this news, as well as figure out how to understand and manage my symptoms in the workplace. From a work email I learnt about and then joined the Menopause Support Group. I attended a really informative lunchtime webinar by Henpicked and was then better informed to be able to talk to and get support from my manager. I am pleasantly surprised by how well supported I feel.” Group member