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This October we will be marking Menopause Awareness Month and World Menopause Day on 18th October by raising awareness, encouraging open conversations and providing opportunities for colleagues to learn more about peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause, and the support available at Sussex.

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but everyone's experience is different. Symptoms such as sleep disruption, fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, hot flushes, joint pain and muscle aches can affect daily life and work. For some people, menopause may also intersect with other health conditions, making their experience more complex and often invisible.

This year's theme focuses on the importance of the small actions and conversations that can make a big difference. A manager checking in with a colleague, a supportive conversation or sharing helpful information can all be moments that help someone feel understood, listened to and supported.

Creating a menopause-inclusive workplace is something we can all contribute to. By increasing awareness and understanding, we can help reduce stigma and create an environment where colleagues feel comfortable seeking support and talking openly about their experiences.

Meet the Team: Our Menopause Advocates

We're delighted to introduce three trained Menopause Advocates, who have recently completed training with the organisation Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace.

We are helping to raise awareness, encourage open conversations and support the delivery of menopause training and initiatives across the University. We're working to create a workplace where conversations about menopause are encouraged.

You can contact us at period.menopause@sussex.ac.uk or individually at:

Angelina Janus (Staff Wellbeing Advisor): a.j.janus@sussex.ac.uk

Jo Francis (Senior HR Support Supervisor): Jo.Francis@sussex.ac.uk

Vicky McDonald (Senior Administrator Technical Services): V.McDonald@sussex.ac.uk

Menopause Café

We host Menopause Café’s regularly. They provide an informal and welcoming space to talk about menopause, share experiences, ask questions and connect with others. Whether you're experiencing menopause yourself, supporting someone who is or simply want to learn more, you are very welcome to join us.

Our Menopause Awareness Month Café will be held on:

Date: Wednesday 6^th October

Time: 2.00pm to 3.00pm

Location: Quiet Room, Meeting House (campus)

New Menopause Awareness for Line Managers Session

We're also pleased to launch a new Menopause Awareness for Line Managers session programme, the first session will be held on:

Date: Monday 20^th October

Time: 11.00- 12.00pm

Location: On campus, Bramber House Room 236

This practical session has been designed to support line managers in building confidence and understanding around menopause in the workplace. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how menopause can affect individuals differently, the potential impact at work and how to provide or signpost to support at Sussex.

The session will also explore why it's important to talk openly about menopause, common signs and symptoms and the support and resources available at the University.

It is suitable for all line managers and colleagues who support staff wellbeing, workplace assessments or reasonable adjustments.

Please book a place on this course on Learn Upo via this link Menopause Awareness for Managers: Workshop - Content details | University of Sussex

Take part this month in ‘A Moment of Understanding Can Make a Difference’

Throughout the month take a moment to consider how you can help create a more supportive workplace. It could be:

• A moment of understanding.
• A moment of kindness.
• A moment of learning.
• A moment that encourages someone to seek support.
• Or simply a moment that reminds someone they are seen and valued.

Together we can create a culture where conversations about menopause are normalised and support is readily available when colleagues need it.

For further information and support, visit the Staff Wellbeing Hub or contact the Menopause Advocate Team on period.menopause@sussex.ac.uk