|
Shaping the Future of Menopause Support in Wales
January saw the launch of the South Wales Menopause Community Platform—a bold, collaborative model designed to connect healthcare, policy, community, and workplace support in a way Wales has never seen before. This gathering brought to life the vision of a joined-up, standards-led approach that puts informed choice, accessibility, and real-world impact at its core.
💬 What We Explored Together
Attendees experienced the platform in action and heard from lived‑experience advocates, clinical leaders, workplace specialists, and community partners. The panel discussion, From Fragmented to Connected, highlighted the urgent need for integrated solutions and showcased the momentum already building across the region. Community stands, and holistic tasters offered a glimpse of what a blended medical‑and‑lifestyle pathway can look like—one that recognises menopause as both a health issue and a workforce issue, and one that values the whole person.
📊 Why This Work Matters
The data shared during the event underscored the scale of the challenge:
- 91% of people were unaware of support beyond their GP
- Over half reported that menopause was negatively affecting their work
- Only 26% of workplaces offer menopause-specific support
- Just 7.8% knew of any community schemes
- The economic cost of unmanaged menopause is estimated at £10bn annually
These figures are not just statistics—they are stories, barriers, and missed opportunities. And they are exactly why this platform is so important!
🏛️ Our Calls to Action
Three key asks of the Welsh Government:
- Endorse a Regional Menopause Framework
To connect NHS, community, and corporate support through a standards-led model.
- Support a Private-Funded Pilot for Public Use
To enable referrals into accredited menopause services and demonstrate a blended, evidence-based care pathway.
- Back South Wales’ First Menotech Platform
A pioneering digital and community-based solution that supports individuals, employers, and regional wellbeing.
🌍 A Pilot with Global Ambition
This event was more than a launch—it was a statement of intent. Wales has the opportunity to lead the UK, and potentially the world, in reimagining menopause support through innovation, partnership, and community power.
|
