Romsey MP praises work of Holland & Barrett after it focuses on menopause

New research has revealed that approximately 61 per cent of women don’t talk about menopause, predominantly due to fear of judgement.

In response, Holland & Barrett has partnered with TV presenter Cherry Healey, from Inside the Factory and 10 Years Younger, to launch the menopause Pause & Listen Pledge to listen and support people experiencing menopause. Alongside the pledge 4,000 employees are being trained as menopause advisers.

READ MORE: Romsey MP Caroline Nokes leads menopause debate in Parliament following report from the Women and Equalities committee 

The MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes, who has been championing changes to how employers deal with people going through the menopause, has been to her local store in The Hundred to sign the pledge.

She said: “It’s a great idea and all part of breaking down the stigma that still surrounds the menopause.

"So many more employers are really embracing how they can better support their workforce and introducing great initiatives like this.

“But there is still a long way to go. Too many women are suffering unpleasant and debilitating symptoms alone and unsupported and I want to see every single one of them able to talk about it if they want to and able to get the help they need.”

The health shop chain is also opening 18 Menopause Pause & Listen Rooms in UK stores from Monday, October 3.

These dedicated rooms are available for walk-ins, offering a calming space to speak with a trained menopause adviser.

Presenter Cherry Healey said: “Since recently being diagnosed as perimenopausal, I’ve been fortunate enough to have been supported and listened to, yet I sadly know this isn’t the same experience for so many.

"That’s why taking part in the Pause & Listen Pledge is so important to me – we must get more women talking openly about their experience, the good, the bad and the ugly, so they receive the support they need, and the only way we’ll achieve this is if we create an environment where women feel listened to, without judgement.”

Despite 83 per cent of women believing that menopause is less of a taboo subject now, a third said they have experienced a negative reaction, such as dismissing the conversation when they had spoken about what they were going through and how they were feeling.

Consequently, 51 per cent said they feel comfortable speaking to their family and friends regarding the matter.

The research, commissioned by Holland & Barrett, was conducted by Opium in September 2022 among 2000 women who have been or are going through menopause ahead of World Menopause Month in October.

SEE ALSO: Housing firm Aster Group wins award at the first Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2022

Wellness futures science lead, Fiona Sweny, said: “There has been real progress made in recent years to bring the menopause to the forefront of the conversation, thanks to the many high-profile women who have been openly speaking about their experiences in the media.

"While awareness has improved, there is still a big job to be done in helping women feel heard. We know everyone’s journey is different and while we won't pretend to know how an individual’s experience feels, we can promise to be there to listen, support, and offer guidance and invite others to join us in this promise.”

People can sign up to the Pledge in store and via the Holland & Barrett at hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/conditions/womens-health/menopause/pause-and-listen/.

Holland & Barrett is currently undergoing the process of becoming an accredited Menopause Friendly Employer.