Seckford Care appoints ‘Menopause Champion’ to aid women’s wellbeing in the workplace

As part of its ongoing commitment to women’s wellbeing in the workplace, Seckford Care has appointed a dedicated ‘Menopause Champion’ – Amanda Wilson, Customer and Domestic Services Manager.

Amanda, who has been working at Seckford Care for 16 years, has taken up the role of ‘Menopause Champion’ in order to provide support, information and reassurance to colleagues, during this often unpredictable and uncertain time.

The role of the ‘Menopause Champion’ at Seckford Care is voluntary, the most important characteristics of which are that they are: 1) enthusiastic about helping other women at this stage in their lives 2) have experience of menopause and 3) are comfortable talking about it.

Amanda says:

“I feel strongly that it is a subject that should be talked about openly within the workplace, as it can be seen as a taboo issue or uncomfortable to discuss. 

“We need to raise the profile of menopause for women and the wider workplace to facilitate a better understanding, as every woman will experience it at some point in their lifetime and should not have to suffer in silence. I want to take away the stigma.”

Amanda is keen to ensure that colleagues feel supported throughout the menopause by:

· Raising the profile of menopause and the support that the Seckford Foundation offers

· Arranging workshops for colleagues and managers

· Creating a supportive and nurturing network

· Directing colleagues to support and advice

· Liaising with senior management on providing appropriate support

· Being part of the working group to create and implement a ‘Menopause Policy’

· Acting as a focus for suggestions from colleagues on reasonable adjustments

· Keeping up-to-date on menopause issues

Women of menopausal age (45-54) are an increasingly important part of the workforce. In the UK, according to the ‘Labour Force Survey – Q2 2021*’, women of menopausal age make up 11% of all people in employment and account for 23% of all women in employment, comprising a total of 3.5 million women nationwide.

*www.ons.gov.uk/surveys/informationforhouseholdsandindividuals/householdandindividualsurveys/labourforcesurvey

Photo caption: Amanda Wilson, Customer and Domestic Services Manager at Seckford Care, in Woodbridge, is passionate about providing support, information and reassurance to colleagues entering or undergoing the menopause, as its dedicated ‘Menopause Champion’. [CREDIT: Seckford Care]

For further information on Seckford Care, visit the website at www.seckfordcare.org.uk

ENDS

Note to Editors:

Seckford Care is situated in the beautiful and historic Almshouses, established in Woodbridge, Suffolk by Sir Thomas Seckford in 1587. It forms part of the Seckford Foundation, which includes independent Woodbridge School. This broad-ranging charity unites younger and older people, creating a diverse and exciting organisation at the heart of the community.

Seckford Care is an award-winning Care Home and Extra Care scheme, rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, based in a stunning Grade II-Listed building in the centre of Woodbridge. It enables older people to live fulfilling lives, as independently as possible, whilst promoting and supporting the highest standards of care and support.

Seckford Care provides 30 Extra Care apartments for those who wish to live independently, safe in the knowledge that carers are on hand 24 hours a day. The residential Care Home, Jubilee House, is available for those who would like their own comfortable room, home-cooked meals, access to activities and housekeeping services. The Seckford Club operates for those who live in the community and would like to meet other people, take part in activities and enjoy a convivial lunch.