World Menopause Day: How Mersey Cares is Supporting Staff Through Menopause 

The "Pause for Thought" Campaign: Leading the Way 

October 18th marks World Menopause Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of menopause and the challenges it presents to women and individuals during this phase of life. Established by the International Menopause Society (IMS), this day highlights the importance of supporting wellbeing during menopause, helping to enhance the health and lives of those in midlife and beyond. 

At Mersey Cares, we recognise the significance of this natural life transition and the potential impact it can have on staff. As part of our ongoing commitment to staff health and wellbeing, we are proud to champion menopause awareness and support within the workplace – and have been delighted to help fund the Trust’s nationally award-nominated ‘Pause for Thought’ menopause campaign. 

Supporting a positive cultural shift

The Trust's Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service offers a comprehensive wellbeing program that supports individuals across a range of areas, including mental, physical, social, and financial health. With two-thirds of our workforce being female, and over 60% of them statistically on their menopausal journey, this has become a key focus for the team, demonstrating our strong commitment to supporting staff through this important life stage. 

Launching in response to findings from a 2023 health needs assessment, which revealed that 65% of staff experiencing menopause reported a moderate to significant impact on their working day, the Pause for Thought initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about menopause and its impact in the workplace, fostering open dialogue to create a positive and supportive cultural shift. 

Thanks to NHS Charities Together funding, Mersey Cares has been able to support the campaign in several meaningful ways. This includes providing merchandise for the team to distribute across the Trust at events such as our Wellbeing on Wheels initiative over the summer (also funded by NHS Charities Together) and the Pause for Thought Menopause Roadshow during Menopause Awareness Month. The charity has also been able to fund the distribution of sanitary boxes to staff across the Trust and support the delivery of training sessions and seminars aimed at educating and supporting staff about menopause and ensuring effective management support throughout their menopause journey. 

Award-nominated in three categories 

We’re thrilled that the Pause for Thought campaign has earned national recognition, being shortlisted in three categories at the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2024: ‘Most Open Culture,’ ‘Best Engagement Approach,’ and ‘Best Trained Workforce.’ It was a privilege to join the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service at the awards ceremony in September, where we proudly stood alongside other organisations demonstrating excellence in menopause support. 

Joanne Watson, Strategic Charity Lead at Mersey Cares said of the campaign:

 "We're so pleased to be supporting the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service's 'Pause for Thought' Menopause Campaign to bring more awareness and support around this life stage for our staff at Mersey Care. It was an honour to be invited to attend the award ceremony earlier this year, which highlighted the great work being done by the Team who are making strides in this area and championing change within the workplace. Thank you to NHS Charities Together for supporting this project which is having great impact across the Trust."