Free menopause wellbeing training available to SMEs

Disability Resource Centre (DRC) have employed On Your Feet CIC and Menopause Knowledge CIC to deliver free training for small and medium sized companies and organisations as part of the ‘Menopause in and out of the Workplace’ project.

This government and NHS funded project aims to improve retention and recruitment of women experiencing menopause.

Until end March 2025, sole traders and organisations with less than 250 employees in Birmingham, Solihull and Warwickshire will be offered access to free Menopause Wellbeing Champion training.

This includes guidance in joining a free menopause pledge certification program, helping organisations put themselves on the map as leaders in inclusivity and supporters of staff wellbeing.

This training has been developed by the Menopause in and out of the Workplace Project team partners - Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), DRC and the Salus Fatigue Foundation - alongside menopause specialists and experts.

This training helps all employees who wish to support their peers in a Menopause Wellbeing Champion role.

The training covers areas including - an understanding of menopause, its symptoms, the diversity of menopause experiences and tools and strategies to manage potentially challenging symptoms.

Natalie Woo, founder of On Your Feet CIC, said: “During this project, I've seen participants recognise their own experiences with perimenopause symptoms and others reflect on how a lack of their own understanding may have led to unintentional discrimination.

“It's been inspiring to see them leave the sessions equipped with actionable ideas to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces.

“I’m excited to see the innovative solutions that emerge from our upcoming sessions!”

Aline Boblin, founder and CEO of Menopause Knowledge CIC, said: “These training sessions have the power to improve how employers demonstrate concretely their inclusive menopause and wellbeing culture, improve their duty of care towards their staff, as well as benefit organisations with greater staff retention. Investing time into this training is a win-win for employers and employees.”

Helen Juffs, from BVSC, adds: “Taking part in our project workshops and events gives opportunity for individuals and organisations to raise awareness and increase confidence to address the often hidden effect of challenging menopause symptoms on work-life.

“It also creates the unique chance to be heard as part of Project feedback to the Government and the NHS, potentially changing national policy.”

The in-person half-day training sessions take place at locations across Birmingham and Solihull, including the University of Warwick Innovation Centre at Blythe Valley Business Park, the Brandwood Centre, Birmingham Business Park and DRC offices.

Sessions are available until end March 2025 on a first-come first-served basis.

The project is funded by the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Health and Wellbeing Fund, a joint initiative run by the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, and the UK Health Security Agency.

For more information, contact Aline Boblin at aboblin@disability.co.uk

To attend, book online now.

Pictured: Natalie Woo and Aline Boblin