Community Menopause Support Programme Makes a Lasting Impact
At MenoHealth, we’re passionate about creating supportive spaces where women can feel empowered to manage their health, particularly during the menopause transition. Recently, we partnered with Nova (the VCSE infrastructure organisation for Wakefield District) to deliver the **Me & Menopause** programme across Wakefield, and the results have been inspiring.
An independent evaluation conducted by Leeds Beckett University confirmed that the programme is making a significant difference in the lives of women. Below, we share some key insights and measurable improvements.
The Me & Menopause Programme: Creating Space for Support and Learning
Menopause can be a challenging and confusing time for many women, especially when there is limited access to reliable information and support. The Me & Menopause programme was designed to address this gap by offering a safe, women-only environment where participants could openly discuss menopause, share their experiences, and receive support.
Key findings from the evaluation include:
- Increased Knowledge and Confidence: Women attending the programme reported a significant increase in their knowledge about menopause and felt more confident in discussing it and managing both their physical and mental health.
- Peer Support: The programme provided a safe space for open conversations, peer support, and shared learning in a supportive, community-driven environment.
- A Call for More: Participants expressed a strong desire for longer sessions, continued opportunities for interaction, and outreach to include men and younger women—recognising that menopause education is vital for all.
Closing the Gap in Menopause Support Services
The programme has successfully addressed a gap in local support services by offering much-needed menopause education. Our facilitators noted a positive impact on participants, not only in their knowledge but also in their confidence and mental well-being.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves: Measurable Improvements
The evaluation gathered valuable data that highlights the programme’s impact:
- Knowledge Gains: Women’s self-reported knowledge about menopause increased from an average of 2.8 (out of 5) before the programme to 4.6 after completing it.
- Confidence in Conversations: Confidence in discussing menopause with others rose from 3.4 to 4.4.
- Resource Awareness: Participants felt better equipped to navigate support services and find quality information. Their awareness rose from 2.6 to 4.5.
- Physical & Mental Health Empowerment**: Scores for managing physical health jumped from 2.9 to 3.9, while scores for managing mental health rose from 2.8 to 3.9.
- Overall Impact: Over two-thirds of participants strongly agreed that they learned more about managing both their physical and mental health as a result of the programme.
These figures demonstrate the programme’s success in achieving its goals—helping women feel more knowledgeable, confident, and equipped to manage the challenges of menopause.
What’s Next?
The evaluation also pointed to the need for continued expansion. Participants highlighted the importance of reaching a broader audience, including younger women and men, to create a more informed and supportive community. We believe that by educating everyone about menopause, we can continue to break down stigma and provide better support to all those affected.
Join Us in Empowering Women
The Me & Menopause programme has proven to be a valuable resource for women in the Wakefield area, and we’re excited about the future. By offering education and community support, we’re helping women navigate menopause with greater ease and confidence.
If your organisation is interested in providing menopause support for your employees or community members, we’d love to hear from you! Together, we can make menopause a more positive and manageable experience for women everywhere.
Feel free to contact us today to learn more about how MenoHealth can help.