Category Archives: Menopause

Menopause, Menopause at work, News

Henpicked launches Menopause Workplace Training Network to engage SMEs, third sector and charities

  • New menopause workplace training solution means ‘no one left behind’
  • Packages tailored for SMEs, third sector, schools, healthcare providers & charities

Small and medium sized business, third sector organisations and charities can enjoy first-class menopause training in an accessible format thanks to the launch of the Menopause Workplace Training Network. Developed by the award-winning Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace, the Menopause Workplace Training Network delivers the same high-quality training and content, tailored to suit smaller groups and smaller budgets.

High demand

The UK has 1.4m SME employers, 41,500 charitable organisations, over 30,000 education providers and thousands of private healthcare providers such as dentists, physiotherapists and care home providers. Representing a huge proportion of the UK workforce with around 1.5m in the public education sector alone, these organisations also have a predominantly female workforce with women representing two thirds of employees in charities and three quarters of teachers.

Everyone is impacted by menopause and all employees are responsible for the wellbeing of their colleagues, regardless of the size of the organisation. In fact, the smaller the organisation, the bigger the impact if colleagues require more support, ask for reduced hours, take more sick leave or feel they need to leave their job altogether.

 

No employer left behind

The Menopause Workplace Training Network package completes the mission of industry-leading Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace to enable every employer to be menopause friendly. Designed to reach smaller organisations, the education sector and charities, the training covers these key modules:

  • Introduction to Menopause – a taster session to explain to employers the importance of supporting menopause in the workplace
  • Menopause Awareness Training for Colleagues – delivered to groups of employees
  • Menopause Support Group Sessions – providing content to deliver a programme and support groups to colleagues
  • Menopause Awareness Training for Managers, Line Managers and Senior Leaders

In addition, these smaller organisations can join the Menopause Friendly membership and take advantage of its wide range of resources, webinars and networking events where best practice and support from other members are in abundance.

 

Adapted opportunity

“Following the amazing progress made by Henpicked with inspirational, larger employers committed to being menopause friendly, I have adapted this opportunity for smaller organisations and businesses,” says Helen Jackson, managing director of the Menopause Workplace Training Network. “Menopause is a priority for all employers, no matter their size. Working closely with Deborah Garlick and shaping her tried and tested training programmes to suit smaller groups, we can ensure no employer is left behind in our bid to be a menopause friendly nation.”

 

Small employers looking for more information should go here

L&D, Menopause, Menopause at work, News

Expert e-learning menopause course helps employers cascade awareness in the workplace

Employers looking to cascade awareness and understanding of colleagues experiencing menopause in the workplace can do so easily with the launch of the Menopause Awareness ELearning for Colleagues course. Developed by industry-recognised trainers from Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, this very accessible 45-minute course is CPD Certified and awards a digital certificate upon completion.

Eight in 10 women of menopausal age are working and, in fact, are the fastest growing workplace demographic. Employers are increasingly aware that not only do they need to safeguard the health and wellbeing of employees working through menopause but ALL staff should be aware in order to support their colleagues experiencing symptoms in the workplace.

By helping colleagues recognise the importance of opening the conversation around menopause to normalise the discussion, employers can ensure people no longer feel uncomfortable talking about menopause in the workplace.

What the course comprises

The Menopause ELearning For Colleagues course is presented as four modules packed with advice and insight including:

  • Why we all need to talk about menopause
  • who is impacted by menopause
  • why many are uncomfortable talking about menopause
  • how we can change this

 

  • What menopause is and how symptoms could affect someone at work
  • how symptoms can be physical, psychological or a combination
  • the three stages in menopause transition
  • the importance of understanding and education in order to make an informed choice

 

  • Approaches to managing menopause
  • the importance of tracking symptoms
  • how to get accurate information to make informed choices
  • where to signpost colleagues friends or family that you’re supporting

 

  • Getting the right support
  • how to have a good conversation with your GP
  • the importance of talking to friends and family
  • how to have good workplace conversations about menopause

Each module ends with quick questions and summary points to reinforce understanding and the course concludes with 10 questions to test the knowledge assimilated by the learner.

Who is it for?

The Menopause ELearning for Colleagues course is designed for ALL colleagues. In this way, it can help those experiencing menopause symptoms to identify the best route forwards while arming those supporting someone working through menopause with valuable knowledge and greater awareness.

“It is only by talking openly about menopause in the workplace and providing good education that employees can learn how to manage their symptoms or support their colleagues,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace. “We developed this eLearning for colleagues course in direct response to employers asking for a quick but effective way to cascade awareness right across their organisations. The eLearning format is accessible to all and the course can be completed in one go or broken into module-sized learning sections. The main thing is, by sharing with all colleagues, employers can encourage awareness and instil confidence in staff to seek the support they need or signpost others to find help as they work through menopause.”

Find out more about the on-demand Menopause ELearning for Colleagues HERE

HR, HR News, Menopause, Menopause at work, News

Oxford PharmaGenesis gains Menopause Friendly Accreditation

Oxford PharmaGenesis – an award-winning, independent, global HealthScience consultancy – has been awarded the industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Accreditation. Providing communications services to the healthcare industry, professional societies and patient groups, the consultancy operates from offices in Europe, America and Asia-Pacific, helping its clients bring evidence-based treatments to patients in areas of unmet medical need.

Including its head office at Oxford Tubney, Oxford PharmaGenesis has seven physical offices and three hubs, with many colleagues either working hybrid or fully remote.

There are several reasons why being a menopause friendly employer is important to Oxford PharmaGenesis. A majority female employer, it’s proud of its caring and nurturing culture. Recognising the need to support its colleagues as their lives evolve while working there, the organisation also seeks to attract senior women in an inclusive manner. It strives to achieve an open and all-encompassing communication that supports breaking biases to help people discuss their personal circumstances for a more tailored approach. Furthermore, as a professional supporter of the healthcare industry, it has a dual commercial and personal interest in health and wellbeing.

The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, established by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace (www.menopausefriendly.co.uk), recognises high standards and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace.

In order to achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, employers are assessed by an Independent Panel and must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness in these six key areas:  culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, facilities and evaluation.

Oxford PharmaGenesis is particularly proud of how effective its education and training processes were in breaking the bias and making menopause a natural topic of conversation and area of support. Other key achievements that helped the organisation achieve accreditation include:

 

  • The success of its Menopause Advocates in representing different perspectives and actively developing its offering.
  • Acting on an in-depth review of its facilities and support to make life easier for colleagues.
  • Creating an environment where menopause is commonly and openly discussed.

 

“As a majority female populated company, it is an honour to have been accredited as a Menopause Friendly Employer in recognition of the collective work that has taken place at Oxford PharmaGenesis to break down bias in the workplace on a topic affecting many of our current and future colleagues,” says Sharon Frost, Global HR Director. “I would like to thank our advocates for their hard work and our colleagues who shared their lived experiences to help us create a workplace that now better serves them.”

There were some unexpected surprises as the Oxford PharmaGenesis team worked towards their accreditation. Initially, how little people not directly affected by menopause knew about it (even if they had a partner suffering) and then how quickly people were prepared to share their personal experiences to help shape the support colleagues wanted and needed. Another pleasant surprise was the variety of volunteers stepping up to become menopause advocates including those experiencing menopause, those about to experience it, daughters of mums going through it and a man who wanted to represent/support men and simply learn more.

“Oxford PharmaGenesis have shown themselves to be truly menopause friendly and it was refreshing to hear they don’t view the Menopause Friendly Accreditation as simply a badge of achievement,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace. “As we so often find, they valued most highly the structure that the accreditation process provides to help them deliver an ongoing programme that has rigour and is truly meaningful. It’s wonderful to hear they are now thinking more broadly and see being menopause friendly as an ongoing process that will evolve and improve their support of colleagues in this area.”

Awards, Menopause, Menopause at work, News

Tilbury Douglas successfully achieves The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out business, has successfully achieved The Menopause Friendly Accreditation established by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace.

The Accreditation is industry-recognised and the only accreditation that sets clear standards which must be met. In order to achieve it, employers are assessed by an independent panel and must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness in six key areas: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, facilities and evaluation.

Tilbury Douglas has been focused on creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces as part of its Better Together initiative. This included the launch of an employee network called Women @ Tilbury Douglas. 

Craig Tatton, Chief Operating Officer and Better Together Sponsor at Tilbury Douglas, said: “Our Women’s Network has been committed to embedding high standards that embrace menopause in our workplaces. This has included seminars for all employees on World Menopause Day and the launch of a Menopause Policy, as well as training for senior management.

“We recognise that true inclusion is a journey, but we are proud to be officially accredited for everything that has been accomplished so far.”

“I’m greatly encouraged by the success and impact of the Women’s Network at Tilbury Douglas and pleased to see them prioritise menopause in the workplace,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace. “Achieving The Menopause Friendly Accreditation is something to be proud of and especially for industries, such as construction, that are traditionally male orientated in terms of their staffing and business activity. Tilbury Douglas has done exceptionally well and I hope other similar businesses are inspired and encouraged by what they have achieved.”

Awards, Menopause, Menopause at work, News, Wellbeing at Work

Winners Revealed at Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2023

  • Organisations large and small crowned as winners in 11 categories
  • Prestigious live event celebrates menopause in the workplace
  • Police force, football club, government department, NHS team and telecoms giant among the winners

 

Hosted by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace and powered by headline sponsors HSBC UK, first direct, M&S Bank and Peppy, the industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Employer Awards were presented by broadcaster Louise Minchin on Thursday September 14, 2023 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel. Over 350 guests gathered there while another 250 joined virtually from across the country.

Also in attendance was the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee who called on all employers to follow through their menopause pledges and policies with training, education, employee resources and networks, menopause champions and physical adjustments.

Now in its second year, the 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards recognise organisations and individuals whose commitment and determination have succeeded in providing support, solutions and resources that normalise menopause in the workplace. Two new categories this year celebrated the work of SMEs and organisations fully embracing diversity and inclusion.

 

“The winners this year came from a diverse range of organisations, large and small, including a government department, high street bank and NHS organisation alongside a football club, university and telecoms giant,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace. “I was delighted to hear from the Menopause Friendly Independent Panel that not only was the standard exceptionally high, but the creativity, energy and commitment from employers was outstanding.

“The Independent Panel was looking particularly for the impact achieved within the workplace. This reinforces the point that just having a policy in place is not enough and it’s only through action and continued commitment that impact will be felt and the lived experience of menopause in the workplace changed for good.”

 

Notable among the winners were the number of traditionally male-dominated businesses, public services and smaller organisations. Once again, the courage, conviction and commitment shown by individuals entering the Community Award and the Carolyn Lazurus Award were immensely moving. The standard was extremely high leading the Independent Panel to give some Highly Commended awards for outstanding achievements and naming joint winners in the Community Award as they simply couldn’t choose between them.

 

“I’ve said it before and will keep on saying it: a menopause policy going dusty in a drawer won’t cut it: employers must put it in practice, make it live and breathe,” says the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee. “It takes action, commitment and often a great deal of courage to step up to change the lived experience of menopause in the workplace. The Menopause Friendly member organisation commit to sharing their insight and best practice with other employers. I would urge any business that doesn’t yet have a successful workplace strategy in place to get in touch and learn from others to fast-track becoming a menopause friendly employer.”

 

The winners of the 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards are:

 

Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year

Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year – Thames Valley Police

Small Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year – Marine Management Organisation

Highly Commended – Bristol Myers Squibb

 

Most Inclusive Menopause Friendly Employer

Joined Up Care Derbyshire

 

Most Open Workplace

Santander

 

Best Engagement Campaign

Department for Education

 

Most Menopause Friendly Environment

QVC

 

Best Trained Workforce

Bristol Myers Squibb

 

Best Training Initiative

BT Group

Highly Commended – Dentons

 

Best Support Group

WTW

Highly Commended – Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

 

Most Supportive Partner

Huddersfield Town Football Club

 

Community Award – joint winners

Paula Rix – Medical Protection Society

Gill Thomas – Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

 

The Carolyn Lazurus Award

Maureen Montague – University of Greenwich

Menopause, Menopause at work, News

Three police forces secure national Menopause Friendly Accreditation

Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) police forces have been jointly accredited as Menopause Friendly employers in recognition of their high standards and proven practices that embrace the menopause in the workplace.

The national, industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Accreditation (MFA) has been awarded to five police forces to date and is testament to their ongoing commitment to promoting awareness, understanding and support of the menopause.

To achieve accreditation, employers must evidence six key areas, namely culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, facilities, and evaluation.

Menopause friendly measures implemented across the three forces to date include support groups, workplace adjustments to enable people to continue working through the menopause, training, events and the publication of clear menopause policies and guidance for colleagues and managers.

Volunteers from across the three forces have trained as menopause champions to provide compassionate, confidential advice to those who need it, and further support is available via an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

BCH menopause lead ACO Cat Hemmings said: “I am delighted that Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire police forces have secured the Menopause Friendly Accreditation. On behalf of everyone involved in this extensive work, I would like to say how proud we all are.

“The three forces are strongly committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of our work. Central to this is enabling everyone to bring their whole selves to work and ensuring they have equal opportunities to reach their full potential.

“Menopause is a life event that our policies, processes and procedures need to take account of. Whether directly experiencing the menopause, working alongside or managing someone who is, or engaging with a member of the public who may have symptoms, it is imperative that we provide support, raise awareness, dispel myths and normalise conversations. Achieving accreditation is testament to each force’s commitment and provides the foundation on which we will continue to build.”

Most people will be affected by the menopause – whether directly or indirectly – at some point in their lives. While menopausal symptoms traditionally appear when people are in their 40s and 50s, they can happen sooner due to health issues or surgery. It is also common for people from some ethnic groups, such as those in the Black community, to experience symptoms at a younger age. Menopausal symptoms will affect everyone differently and with varied intensity. Removing judgement and opening lines of communication will ensure that the right support can be offered at the right time.

As well as helping attract and retain female staff in support of a diverse and inclusive workforce, the Menopause Friendly Accreditation is helping the three forces continue conversations within their male colleagues to encourage understanding, allyship and to provide them with support when their teams, friends and family members are affected.

The Menopause Friendly Accreditation was established by Henpicked: Menopause in The Workplace and is the only accreditation that sets clear, national standards that must be met. It is considered by many as a mark of excellence for menopause in the workplace.

Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace said: “The positive impact that Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire police forces are making through being menopause friendly is fantastic to see and this accreditation is absolutely justified. Particularly heartening to know is that not only will the forces’ colleagues and their families benefit from having extra insight and support around menopause, but they can also cascade this empathy and understanding to their local communities and members of the public.”

To find out more about The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, visit www.menopausefriendly.co.uk

Menopause, Menopause at work, News

Menopause friendly accreditation for Specsavers

A MENOPAUSE in the Workplace accreditation has been awarded to Specsavers, recognising the healthcare retailer as a business which supports colleagues through effective and comprehensive training.

The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, established by Henpicked: Menopause in the workplace (www.menopausefriendly.co.uk), recognises high standard and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace.

In 2022, Specsavers launched MenoTalk; a colleague-led menopause community network which provides members with a safe space to discuss, listen and share their menopause experiences. The group has been pivotal in bringing the colleague training to life and regularly meet to share feedback to help build a menopause-friendly working environment.

 

MenoTalk group co-chairs, Louise Furby and Carolin Millken are proud of the achievement; ‘We set up our MenoTalk colleague group to give everyone affected by menopause a safe, confidential space where members can share experiences and get practical advice. Being awarded the Menopause in the Workplace accreditation is testament to the supportive environment this has created. We look forward to continuing to expand on the advice, support, and education throughout the business.’

The accreditation is industry-recognised and the only accreditation that sets clear standards which must be met. As such, it is truly meaningful and considered by many as a mark of excellence for menopause in the workplace.

To achieve the certificate, employers are assessed by an independent panel and must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness in six key areas: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, facilities, and evaluation.

 

Deborah Garlick, founder and CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace says: ‘Specsavers has done exceptionally well to achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation and deserve credit for the success of its MenoTalk programme. We know that open discussions, supportive conversations and creating a psychologically safe environment are key to making lasting and meaningful change for colleagues. I have no doubt that Specsavers colleagues will feel the benefit of it being a menopause friendly employer and hope this positivity will cascade to its customer community as well.’

 

For more information please contact:  amy.obrien2@specsavers.com

Awards, Menopause, Menopause at work, News

Menopause Friendly Employer Awards names finalists

The industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Employer Awards – powered by headline sponsors HSBC UK, first direct, M&S Bank and Peppy – has named the finalists ahead of the Awards ceremony on Thursday September 14, 2023 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.

The prestigious event will celebrate and recognise excellence among organisations and individuals going above and beyond to support menopause in the workplace. Hosted by broadcaster and menopause champion Louise Minchin, 350 guests will attend in person while hundreds more will join via live link from across the country.

Organised by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards comprise 11 categories that recognise organisations, teams and individuals who have successfully changed the lived experience of menopause in the workplace. As well as celebrating their achievements, the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards aims to raise £100,000 for a range of menopause-related charities, programmes and research.

“The standard of this year’s Awards entries has been phenomenal – employers have significantly raised the bar in terms of their creativity, innovative approach and, importantly, making a positive impact in their workplace,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in The Workplace.

 

The Awards have attracted a wealth of menopause friendly members keen to sponsor the categories and tables. Taking their place alongside the headline sponsors are Accenture, BAE Systems, Boots and No7 Beauty Company, Bristol Myers Squibb, British Airways, Lloyds Banking Group, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Theramex and Vitabiotics.

 

“As the first organisation to be awarded The Menopause Friendly Accreditation we know first-hand the positive impact and the importance of being a menopause friendly workplace,” says Chris Pitt, CEO of first direct. “These awards are a great opportunity for people to learn from one another, with best practice tips being shared among guests to encourage an open dialogue and positive change.”

 

“We believe employers have a crucial role to play in breaking down the taboo and filling the gap in health and wellbeing care for those experiencing menopause,” says Kathy Abernethy, Chief Nursing Officer & Clinical Director Menopause Services, Peppy. “Raising the profile of businesses who have shown themselves to be real agents of change as these Awards set out to do, is an important part of encouraging and inspiring other businesses to recognise their role and join the movement to make a difference.”

 

The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards were judged by the Menopause Friendly Independent Panel who were looking particularly for the impact achieved within the workplace. The finalists in each category follow below.

 

“The Independent Panel had a tough job selecting the finalists from such a strong field and judging went into a second day, such was the number of entries and exceptionally high quality of applications,” continues Deborah. “I would like to thank the Independent Panel for their expertise and passion and feel reassured that every finalist is deserving of their recognition.

“I would also like to thank all the employers and individuals for taking time to enter the Awards and extend my congratulations to all the finalists. There is no doubt that their remarkable work and dedication is changing hearts and minds to improve people’s lived experience of menopause in the workplace.”

 

Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2023 – FINALISTS

 

Category 1 – Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year

BAE Systems

Bristol Myers Squibb

Cadent Gas

HSBC UK | first direct | M&S Bank

Marine Management Organisation

Thames Valley Police

Unilever UK & Ireland

 

Category 2 – Most Inclusive Menopause Friendly Employer

BAE Systems

Colt Technology Services

HSBC UK | first direct | M&S Bank

Joined Up Care Derbyshire

Moody’s Corporation

 

Category 3 – Most Open Workplace

Aramark

Bristol Myers Squibb

Mott MacDonald

Santander

South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and South Yorkshire Integrated Care

Thames Valley Police

Category 4 – Best Engagement Campaign

BT

Colt Technology Services

Department for Education

Medical Protection Society

 

Category 5 – Most Menopause Friendly Environment

Independent Assessment Services (IAS) by Atos

Correla

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

QVC

 

Category 6 – Best Trained Workforce

BAE Systems

No7 Beauty Company

Bristol Myers Squibb

Holland & Barrett

University of Greenwich

 

Category 7 – Best Training Initiative

No7 Beauty Company

BT

Dentons

Department for Education

Experian

 

Category 8 – Best Support Group

Independent Assessment Services (IAS) by Atos

British Airways

BNP Paribas

Close Brothers Group Plc

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Lloyds Banking Group

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

WTW

 

Category 9 – Most Supportive Partner

Derby County Community Trust

Huddersfield Town Association Football Club

University of Greenwich

 

Category 10 – Community Award

Jill Ross – Accenture

Sarah Garton – Accenture

Maria Hathaway – Stonewater

Lisa Hogg – Independent Assessment Services (IAS) by Atos

Brigitte Kavani- NHS South Yorkshire ICB

Maureen Montague – University of Greenwich

Nancy Reeve – WTW

Paula Rix – Medical Protection Society

Marie-Anne Sandler – First Source

Gill Thomas – Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

 

Category 11 – The Carolyn Lazurus Award

To be announced on the night

 

 

To find out more visit: https://menopausefriendly.co.uk/awards/

Hair and Beauty, Menopause, News

Apprentice winner Dr Leah Totton unveils new 30-minute menopause skin treatment

APPRENTICE winner Dr Leah Totton has unveiled a revolutionary treatment designed to reverse skin ageing caused by the menopause.

The new 30-minute procedure targets the neck, arms and hands, the three key areas most often affected.

The award-winning cosmetic doctor, who won Apprentice Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment in 2013, said the ‘Lanluma V‘ treatment is a more natural, safe alternative than going under the knife.

‘Lanluma V’  is an innovative treatment that is being hailed by some in the industry as a game-changing collagen injection due to its unique ability to generate high levels of collagen in three key areas of the body most commonly affected by menopause: the neck, arms and hands. The key ingredient is Poly-L-lactic acid, which has been successfully used in medicine for over 30 years. Its collagen boosting powers reveal more youthful-looking skin in a matter of weeks, with no need for filler or surgery.

Speaking on her return to work after welcoming her first child, Irish-born Dr Leah, 34, who recently celebrated her business being crowned ‘Most Trusted UK Clinic’, commented on the medical aesthetics industry’s new collagen boost treatment for menopause skin care to treat previously neglected areas which ‘give away age’

She said: “Lanluma V has enabled Dr Leah Clinics to be able to deliver targeted menopause skin treatments. Lanluma V is a collagen stimulating solution which when injected under the skin gradually stimulates your own natural collagen and elastin formation in the treated area. This works to improve skin quality in that area, smoothing crêpey skin and wrinkles and thus treats the signs of ageing in areas of the body that we have previously not been unable to, including necks, arms, hands and the stomach.

“We know a woman’s skin loses about 30 percent of its collagen during the first five years of menopause and this often has a visible effect on the appearance of skin on the body.  The neck, chest, arms and hands can display obvious signs of ageing, particularly in oestrogen- deficient skin, and these areas are often neglected when it comes to skincare and aesthetic treatments. Women typically notice these changes in their late 40’s to early 50’s but it can affect younger women who have premature menopause.

“Up until now, there were comparatively less effective treatments available for these areas versus the face. It is not uncommon therefore for the neck, arms or hands to appear more aged than the face and therefore a ‘give away’ of age, and we know from research that hands alone can be used as an accurate predictor of age.”

Mother-of-one Leah is now one of the most successful ever winners of the BBC show.

Her London based cosmetic clinics have been recently crowned “Most Trusted UK Clinics” and her company accounts filed in March reported a 50% rise in turnover for 2022, reaching £2.7m with Pre-tax profits of £900,000.

As well as her growing business success, Leah has been basking in the glow of motherhood, after recently giving birth to a baby daughter.

Dr Leah opened her first non-surgical cosmetic clinic in central London in 2014, but she now has three clinics, with a fourth due to open in 2024 .

Dr Leah Clinics have won multiple accolades, most recently recognised as the UK’s “Most Trusted Cosmetic Clinic”.

The company has also launched their own skincare products, a foaming cleanser and moisturiser as part of the Dr Leah Skincare range.

In an interview last year, Leah revealed that Lord Sugar has requested a Botox treatment once the company earns £1m in profit — a milestone which is getting closer.

Leah and Lord Sugar are the company’s sole directors.

For more on Lanluma V, visit https://www.drleah.co.uk/treatments/body-treatments/lanluma-v

 

Menopause, Menopause at work, News, Wellbeing at Work

Holland & Barrett Achieves Menopause Friendly Accreditation, Demonstrating Ongoing Commitment to Colleague Support

Holland & Barrett, the leading health and wellness retailer, is delighted to announce that it has been accredited as a Menopause Friendly Employer. This is the latest accreditation as H&B evolves its colleague support, creating a positive and inclusive working environment for all.

 The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, established by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace (www.menopausefriendly.co.uk), is industry-recognised and the only accreditation that sets clear standards which must be met. As such, it is truly meaningful and considered by many as a mark of excellence for menopause in the workplace.

Holland & Barrett’s colleagues have undergone extensive health training, which includes menopause education. Over 4,000 colleagues have received this training, and an eLearning module on menopause has been made available to all staff across the business. This initiative aims to educate and raise awareness about this important stage of life.

In order to achieve The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, employers are assessed by an Independent Panel and must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness in six key areas, namely: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, facilities and evaluation.

 

Maria Anderson, Chief People Officer at Holland & Barrett, commented, “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Menopause Friendly Accreditation. At Holland & Barrett, we believe in supporting our colleagues throughout all stages of their lives and menopause is no exception. We understand the impact that menopause can have on individuals, both physically and emotionally, and we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to help our colleagues navigate this time with greater ease.”

 

To further support colleagues, Holland & Barrett has developed a comprehensive Guide to Menopause. This guide serves as a valuable resource, signposting internal support available to colleagues. It includes information on how to request extra uniform, access to portable desk fans and guidance on how to have a wellbeing conversation with their line manager. By providing these resources, Holland & Barrett aims to ensure that colleagues feel supported and empowered to manage their menopause symptoms effectively while at work.

In addition to the Guide to Menopause, Holland & Barrett offers a range of support services. Colleagues can book a free 15-minute consultation with a menopause health nurse, who can provide expert advice and guidance. Furthermore, the company has trained 50 mental health first aiders who are available to provide support and assistance. Colleagues can also access free counselling through Holland & Barrett’s 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, ensuring that they have access to help to maintain their mental wellbeing.

Holland & Barrett has supported its customers with access to menopause products and advice for over 50 years, and it is now also offering its highly trained colleagues to run free menopause information workshops in workplaces and at community groups across the UK. Fifteen colleagues who have the highest level of H&B’s accredited health and wellness training are equipped with additional training and resources so they can offer menopause talks free of charge – helping others to improve menopause awareness and education.

 

“Holland & Barrett has undertaken a huge amount of work in order to be accredited as a menopause friendly employer and I congratulate the whole team for its focus and dedication,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace.  “I also applaud the way that Holland & Barrett is actively cascading its knowledge and expertise to customers and the wider community. This is admirable and will no doubt help many other people speak up and seek help to manage their menopause symptoms.”