On 14th October, ahead of World Menopause Day on 18th October, the President Team, alongside the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Arts, Humanities and Business EDI teams, hosted a Menopause Awareness Day event in The Den. The event, which was organised in response to the Student Menopause Survey, aimed to raise awareness of and open up conversations around the menopause, and how we can all work to support those navigating it. 

As well as the Faculty EDI teams, both the Plymouth Menopause Network and Devon Mind attended the event, sharing invaluable information and resources about the menopause which attendees were able to discuss and take away with them. A highlight of the event was an engaging talk delivered by the CEO of Devon Mind, Olivia Craig, which helped to emphasise the important link between the menopause and mental wellbeing. The talk also covered practical advice for navigating the menopause and supporting people who are experiencing it. Both staff and students engaged positively with the talk, and it was encouraging to see such a great turnout.

The Faculty EDI teams have numerous future plans to increase menopause awareness across the University, with the aim of promoting a menopause-inclusive workplace. Although the menopause may not seem like a student facing concern, opening up conversations is vital to removing the stigma that surrounds the topic. It is likely that most people will have someone in their life who is experiencing the menopause, and knowing how to support them can be an extremely useful skill. 

Thank you to the Faculty EDI teams for letting us collaborate on this event with you, we definitely learnt a lot and cannot wait to work with you again! 

– Your President Team