Menopause awareness at work for Scottish Police and Scottish Water
Laughology were invited back to talk to Scottish Police about the menopause, providing workshops as part of a full-day conference organised by the inspiring Scottish Women’s Development Forum (SWDF).
The conference was packed full of staff and officers of various ranks, and all with their own reasons for attending the Menopause Awareness sessions. Some wanted to know more about something they hitherto knew very little; some were experiencing the menopause; some thought they might be perimenopausal; and some were managers who wanted information and advice.
Kerry Leigh delivered the laugh-filled session during which menopause myths were busted, experiences and knowledge were shared and workplace support solutions were brainstormed. One of the great ideas put forward was that all managers undertake mandatory menopause awareness training. Its unsurprising that the menopause has become a hot topic (sorry), given that more women in the force are working for longer.
The theme of the conference was ‘making a difference’ and it turns out at least one difference had already been made. At the end of the opening speech a woman sitting next to Kerry said: ‘I thought it was you. You changed my life.’ She explained she had been to a previous Laughology menopause session that had provided her with quite a few lightbulb moments triggering some very helpful conversations with her partner at home, which had stopped them being at ‘loggerheads’. Sound the Laughology klaxon! This is what it’s all about – raising awareness and starting conversations - knowledge is power people!
In the same week we also delivered a Menopause Awareness session to Scottish Water employees from all departments and regions where we were reminded that the menopause is a varied experience. For example, one male attendee enquired about the impact of the menopause twinned with managing diabetes. Women may need to monitor their blood sugar levels more often and note any menopausal symptoms and report to their GP as ‘changing hormone levels can also trigger spikes and falls in blood sugar levels’.
It is so empowering and impactful for women and men to learn about the menopause and the challenges it can bring in a good-humoured, relaxed environment. We look forward to delivering more of these sessions across the country.
