Swansea University recently held an event highlighting how the University is taking on menopause, featuring a special announcement on the launch of a ‘menopause café’ and plans to develop its very own Menopause Clinic.
Taking place at the Taliesin Arts Centre on 20 October, ‘Swansea University v The Menopause’ marked the start of the Swansea Science Festival.
ITV Wales’ Kate Lewis hosted the evening, where she was joined by an array of high-profile speakers, including Carolyn Harris, MP for Swansea East, and Dr Louise Newson, GP and menopause specialist.
Carolyn Harris MP, who advocates support for menopause in Parliament, and Dr Newson, the founder of Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre, shared their views on the current landscape of menopause in the UK and why more support must become available.
Dr Newson said: “It was a real privilege to be part of such a wonderful event. Yet again, it was sad to hear stories from women struggling to receive evidence-based treatment for their perimenopause and menopause.”
Carolyn Harris MP added: “After a week of events to celebrate World Menopause Day, I was delighted to end with one in my own city.
“We have come so far in the last few years breaking down the barriers that have long surrounded menopause, and it was refreshing to listen to so many people openly talking and sharing their own experiences.”
Attendees were also treated to presentations by Dr Rachel Churm from the Sport and Exercise Sciences department and Dr Aimee Grant from the School of Health and Social Care, who shared findings from their menopause research.
The evening concluded with an exclusive announcement on the launch of a ‘menopause café’ in the near future, as well as plans to develop a new Menopause Clinic, both to be based at the Health and Wellbeing Academy.
Niamh Lamond, Swansea University Registrar and Chief Operating Officer said: “Here at Swansea University, the health and wellbeing of our staff and students is so important to us, and we already have a range of support services in place for this, including a menopause policy and specialist training for line managers.
“We are continuing to make strides in the way we are supporting those suffering from menopause symptoms and giving a platform to a subject that is often overlooked.”