Enable, a not-for-profit based in Wandsworth are currently conducting a non-medical Menopause support pilot, to provide holistic support to those experiencing menopause symptoms. The Enable Health and Wellbeing team who exist to build innovative initiatives which tackle barriers to improve health in local communities will, via this important research, explore how they can utilise their existing health and wellbeing expertise and services to enhance and support women’s health, specifically those who are experiencing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.
The Menopause support pilot, funded and delivered by Enable, has, since its inception in May 2022 gathered rich and meaningful insights via focus groups working with experts in the field; women’s health charities, menopause health experts and a group of people with lived experience. This information gathering has highlighted the gaps people experience in support, especially for those who require or prefer a more holistic approach to managing their symptoms either in combination with, or in the place of Hormone Replacement therapy (HRT).
The Enable Health and Wellbeing team have developed a delivery model for the pilot including 1-2-1 health coaching alongside group peer support in the community. The team are working with academic partners who will evaluate the project’s outcomes.
With significant media coverage, the newly formed Women’s Health Strategy, Menopause Taskforce and cuts to HRT costs, the team are acutely aware of the growing focus on the menopause – it’s symptoms, effects and impact on individuals, families, relationships and work, as well as the disparities in diagnosis and support for people from BAME communities and the need to address this.
Findings thus far in their early-stage research, demonstrates that misinformation, a lack of community-based and workplace support along with general misunderstanding about the menopause have been significant barriers to people getting the assistance, advice and help they need during this significant and life-changing event.
Once the pilot concludes at the end of June, the team plan to use their learnings to partner with organisations, working effectively with primary and secondary care, public and private sector and the voluntary sector in offering a meaningful support model to people experiencing the menopause.
Ian Mitchell CEO of Enable, says: “I am thrilled that Enable have taken this innovative step towards developing a non-medical menopause support programme, and are able to reinvest £100,000 to make a real difference, strengthening the communities we work with. Every day there is more and more evidence of a gap in support for people going through the menopause, so I believe Enable’s menopause research and development in menopause support can help to address this. I am excited to see the evidence from the programme and where this research work may lead.”
