Inspire inclusion with Still Human's new Menopause Ambassador course!

International Women’s Day is a day we are passionate about here at Still Human and this year is even more important to us as the theme of inspiring inclusion aligns with the launch of our new Menopause Ambassador course, a course designed to create a more inclusive workplace for women in education. 

Our Menopause Ambassador course is designed to empower staff in the education sector. Given that 76% of teaching staff in the UK are female; 86% in Primary Schools, 93% of Teaching Assistants and 90% of support staff – knowledge around menopause is of particular importance to the education community. 

Why is the awareness around menopause in education so important?  

Currently there is a lack of awareness and support for menopausal women in the workplace, the impact of menopause whilst in a classroom or on a rigid timetable doesn’t allow for the adjustments needed to support women through the symptoms that can occur.  

'Six out of every 10 women experiencing menopausal symptoms say it has a negative impact on their work. With the right support, women do not need to press pause, struggle through, or leave their careers during this natural transition. Many women will continue to suffer in silence unless we break the taboo and start talking openly about the menopause at work.'​ NHS England 

The course has been created by Still Human’s team of expert Wellbeing Facilitators who are qualified Menopause Practioners and who all have extensive experience working in the education sector as teachers, managers and leaders. They understand the difficulties that come with navigating menopause whilst in school and educational settings.  

During our online Menopause Ambassador course you will learn:  

• The stages, symptoms and routes to managing menopause. 
• What your role as a Menopause Ambassador is. 
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion around menopause. 
• Flexible working and reasonable adjustments. 
• How to have sensitive conversations. 
• How to set up and resource a support group. 

Why have a Menopause Ambassador? 

Having someone in a company who is a knowledgeable and supportive, and not in a direct line manager role is beneficial to creating a confidential culture of openness that will benefit the entire organisation. The training is suitable for anyone with a passion to enhance their knowledge and understanding of menopause and who has a drive to create a more supportive and non-discriminatory environment for those experiencing this transition. 

‘As an educator and advocate for menopause across the globe, it is great to see specialists like Still Human raising awareness and advocating the importance of supporting women in the workplace during menopause. There is an economic impact to leaving women without support at work and when training and solutions are offered, we see an improvement in productivity, retention and attendance, and decrease in absences. Menopause is a shared experience, but a unique journey for every woman. Therefore, there isn't a one size fits all solution, instead by improving knowledge around menopause, we see women thrive in their careers. When a company supports its female employees through menopause with organisations like Still Human, everyone benefits.’ Author of Menopocalypse and women’s health expert, Amanda Thebe.

The new course compliments our other menopause focused workshops and allows a dedicated team member to become an ambassador in the workplace. 

‘We are excited to be able to provide this vital training for organisations around menopause and know that it can play a role in keeping more women in the profession. Having worked in an education setting whilst experiencing menopause related symptoms, I can see the clear value of having a dedicated Menopause Ambassador to signpost, support and champion the menopause conversation in the workplace. The whole Still Human team are passionate about working with Ambassadors to enhance their knowledge and understanding of menopause and contribute to creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for those experiencing this transition.  It is so important to recognise and support those going through menopause in the workplace, not just on International Women’s Day but everyday.’  Julie Liddell, Managing Director and Course Founder. 

Let's celebrate International Women's Day by empowering ourselves and our colleagues throughout education and support for menopause in the workplace. 

If you are interested in becoming a Menopause Ambassador or booking one of our menopause related workshops, please contact the team. 

Find out more about the Menopause Ambassador course and the upcoming course dates here. 

Article by Still Human Marketing Manager, Emma Turnbull.