UK train operator hosts session to support workers affected by menopause

The UK train operator Avanti West Coast has hosted its first drop-in session to support workers affected by menopause.

The drop-in follows the introduction of the company’s menopause guidance, a resource aiming to help employees better understand the subject.

Held at Preston station, the session was aimed at women experiencing menopause symptoms, as well anyone wanting to learn more about their relative or friend who may be going through the menopause.

The idea came from customer service assistant, Hellen Briscoe, who wanted to raise awareness of menopause in the workplace and reduce the taboo around the topic.

After being diagnosed with perimenopause at the age of 37, Hellen, now 39, found being open about her experience has helped her deal with the symptoms and emotions she was going through.

Since joining Avanti West Coast’s Menopause for thought group – a forum for people to discuss how the company could support employees during menopause – the 39-year-old found that colleagues affected had struggled silently.

Spurred on by these conversations, she decided to organise a drop-in to encourage women to talk and share their experiences with one another.

“Talking about menopause openly and trying to support other women has helped me,” Hellen explained.

“I think so many of us need that help and support without realising it. Women need to know they’re not alone.”

To provide further advice for those attending, Hellen reached out to well-known media personalities, including Andrea McLean, who have shared their stories to ask for materials.

“I’ve gained a lot of helpful advice and a better understanding of the menopause by following celebrities, doctors and specialists on social media, so I felt heard and elated by their positive response.

“Andrea sent me a lovely note which made me realise just why I wanted to do this in the first place”, she added.

The event, part of the train operator’s commitment to create an inclusive workforce, brought together employees from across the business.

“Those who came to the drop-in stayed a while, chatted to people they didn’t know, offered their advice, and listened to others,” said Hellen.

“Some came on their days off, which proves some women need this. Not a lot is known by the younger generation, so the event was not only for us now, but for those in the future.

“I hope everyone who attended took away some comfort in knowing they can talk to me anytime, as well as giving them a much better understanding of the menopause and how we can all have our own journeys but together we can get through it more easily.”

She added: “We need to talk about menopause. For some reason it has been a taboo subject. This baffles me, as all women will go through it – some will sail through it, others will struggle but either way we all need to be aware of what the menopause is and what to look out for.

“I am eager to gain a community in the workplace, where we feel listened to, understood, and not embarrassed about menopause – not just in the workplace but our everyday life.”

The positive response to the drop-in has inspired Hellen, who is doing a menopause awareness course, to deliver similar events at other locations along the route.