The newly formed Women’s Health Strategy and Menopause Taskforce reflects the growing focus on the menopause – it’s symptoms, effects and impact on individuals, families, relationships, and work, as well as the disparities in diagnosis and support for people from different communities and the need to address this.
The Enable ‘Menopause support pilot’ has, since its inception in May 2022, gathered the views of experts in the field, women’s health charities, menopause health experts and a group of people with lived experience.
This information gathering highlighted the gaps people experience in support, especially for those who require or prefer a more rounded approach to managing their symptoms either in combination with, or in the place of Hormone Replacement therapy (HRT).
The South West London Integrated Care Board has provided funding to support the six-month pilot, supporting those going through peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause.
The Enable team developed the programme with 1-2-1 health coaching alongside group peer support in the community and are working with academic partners who will evaluate the project.
One participant of the pilot has said: “Sitting down and talking to you [menopause health coach] really gave me a boost. I’m a lot happier, confidence is higher. I am able to focus and get things done. The one session has already made a lot of difference”.
Another participant also noted how the sessions were helping to build her confidence: “I feel very encouraged. I feel very confident and well equipped about having a conversation with my GP.”
Once the pilot concludes at the end of June, the team plan to use their learnings to partner with organisations, working effectively with primary and secondary care, public and private sector and the voluntary sector in offering a meaningful support model to people experiencing the menopause.
Lydia Singer, Health and Wellbeing Project Manager leading the service, says: “It is so exciting to be part of this innovative pilot, working with incredible Menopause Health Coaches to deliver personalised coaching support to people that are struggling to cope with various menopausal symptoms.
“We are at the very beginning of delivery, and we can already see how impactful this service has been, which highlights its importance and can hopefully start to close the gap that exists in Women’s Health, particularly non-medical menopause support.”
Ian Mitchell, CEO of Enable, says: “I am thrilled that Enable have taken this innovative step towards developing a non-medical menopause support programme.
“Every day there is more and more evidence of a gap in support for people going through the menopause, so I believe Enable’s menopause research and development in menopause support can help to address this. I am excited to see the evidence from the programme and where this research work may lead.”
About Enable
Enable is a not-for-profit organisation, working in partnership with councils, charities and other organisations to deliver health, leisure and community services and events that enrich people’s lives.