A Norfolk health trust has been shortlisted for awards for its work to support those working during menopause.
The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is a finalist in the Best Engagement Approach and Best Peer-To-Peer Support categories at the 2024 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards.
TV and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon will host the ceremony.
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Staff wellbeing officer Jodie Millard, who has been instrumental in bringing menopause support to NSFT, said: “We have been working hard for the past year to introduce a suite of menopause help and support to NSFT, including peer support groups, manager training, menopause advocates and special online talks and events, linking up with our wider NHS colleagues locally.
“The feedback from staff has been incredible and we are delighted our efforts have been recognised nationally.”
NSFT communications officer Gay Webster, who has been working with Jodie on the programme, added: “We have had tears, laughter and so much honesty in our support groups and we have been so happy to be able to share knowledge and give staff the confidence to talk about the menopause to colleagues, family, managers and GPs.”
The awards
Now in its third year, the 2024 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards were judged by the Menopause Friendly Independent Panel.
It looks for both innovation and evidence of the impact and positive change achieved within the workplace.
The Best Engagement Approach Award will go to the organisation which innovatively develops campaigns or initiatives to foster positive, creative and engaging perceptions of menopause in the workplace, integrating it into everyday working life.
The Best Peer-to-Peer Support Award will go to the organisation which creates the best approach to enable peer to peer support, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for conversations around menopause in the workplace.
NSFT has been working across Norfolk’s health system to share good practice.
Lisa Parker, health and wellbeing lead with Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System (ICS), said: “We are working towards menopause accreditation status across the system locally, with Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust leading this work as an exemplar site.
“NSFT is an inspiration to other sites and has made great strides around supporting women going through the menopause. We are now working together to collaborate, share and standardise the menopause offer to staff across our system.”
