Charity being recognised for its network providing solidarity amongst staff members
Leading dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society has been named as a finalist in the industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Employer Award – sponsored by HSBC UK, first direct and M&S Bank.
Alzheimer’s Society is the only charity to be shortlisted in the Best Support Group category, which will celebrate organisations with the best community group, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for conversations around menopause in the workplace.
Organised by Menopause Friendly, the inaugural awards attracted over 85 entries across 10 categories.
Kate Lee, Alzheimer’s Society CEO, said: “We know that one in four people will experience serious menopause symptoms. Alzheimer’s Society is committed to being a menopause friendly organisation for all our employees and volunteers and I’m so proud this has been recognised in these awards.
“Our support network was born from the determination of hard-working staff to allow everyone at the Society to talk openly about menopause, and to provide support and guidance for anyone who needs it. As a charity giving support for people affected by dementia across the UK, we’re delighted that we’re able to provide as much support and solidarity for our own workforce.”
Alzheimer’s Society set up the Menopause Matters support network last year, providing a safe space for staff members to share resources and raise awareness, as well as inviting guest speakers to host, such as healthcare professionals, to answer questions provide advice and information. The forum increased to 144 members within just over a year – 10% of Alzheimer’s Society’s workforce.
The charity has also set up e-learning for new starters and volunteers, training modules for managers and resources for anyone across the charity to access – as well as providing reasonable adjustments for those experiencing menopause symptoms.
Sam Marshall, Dementia Connect Local Services Manager at Alzheimer’s Society and member of the network said: “The Menopause Matters network has helped me feel I am not alone. I didn’t even want to admit I was peri-menopausal but the group has helped me to talk about my symptoms with other members, and learn so much more about the menopause.”
Santander UK, Aster Group, Lloyds Banking Group, Boots UK & Ireland, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority have also been named finalists in this category.
“The standard of work and level of activity demonstrated by entrants to the first-ever Menopause Friendly Employer Awards has been really high, says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in The Workplace and founder of the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards. “We received entries across a diverse range of organisations from banking to retail and engineering to sports. Alzheimer’s Society is to be congratulated for catching the judges’ attention with its outstanding work supporting colleagues working through menopause.
“It was an absolute pleasure to join the independent judging panel as they reviewed each application and to see the passion, dedication and commitment of these inspirational businesses and people to change the lived experience of menopause in their workplace. Not long ago, menopause was so clearly a taboo in the workplace: now we’re preparing to host this prestigious Awards event to celebrate the achievements and progress being made in this area: it’s wonderful!”
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on Thursday 22 September.
