Emma Neville leads conversation on menopause at Salford

Emma founded menopause awareness organisation This Is Me after she experienced early menopause at 40. She was diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and decided  she wanted to help educate others who might be struggling with the unwelcome changes of menopause. Judging by the warm and open discussion in the room and the positive atmosphere it was a huge success.

Around 100 colleagues, students and alumni attended the This is Me, Let’s Pause and Talk Menopause event in SSEE building, which covered everything from what to ask your GP when discussing menopause, to what foods work best at this time of life.

Emma opened the session by sharing her own experiences. She has two daughters and is a trained a counsellor. Emma’s husband, former Manchester United star Gary Neville is an honorary graduate at the University of Salford.

She fielded questions on why we need to be better at raising awareness of the menopause, as well as the need for women to know and understand their own bodies and what is happening with them.

“The menopause can affect everything in our lives. Some days you don’t know who you are anymore. It can affect you in the workplace and you can have some really bad days,” she warned.

She urged women to talk about it much more openly. “We must share our knowledge with our daughters too, to help get them ready so that they know what to expect and what to do to help themselves.”

Emma was joined on the panel by Kate Palmer (Employment Services Director at Peninsula UK), and Jane Hallam, a Salford alumna who previously set up clothing company No Pause.

Kate agreed the conversation has to open up, saying that businesses need to banish the taboo too. “It’s vital we talk about it at work, to support women in their roles and to make changes where we can. We must make sure that businesses are not losing people in the primes of their careers because of challenges created by the menopause.”

Emma was asked about how she looks after her own wellbeing and overall fitness. “Check your bones and build strength. It’s so important to get strong and build muscle. Weights are good, but reformer pilates is my happy place.”

Jane Hallam gave out useful diet tips which will support physical health too. “Eat the rainbow,” she said. “Focus on a brightly coloured Mediterranean diet – leafy greens for example. Also focus on oestrogen heavy foods as  your own oestrogen is depleting and food can help replace it - try wholegrains, legumes and fish which is heavy in omega 3.”

The session was part of a university-wide drive to focus on colleague and student wellbeing, which was co-organised by Laura Mott (Strategic Partnerships Manager), Sophie Thorp (Head of Alumni) and colleague wellbeing manager Lucy Heffron.

“Menopause should not be a taboo subject, and we want to create an open environment where women feel safe and comfortable to share their experiences and seek advice and support when they need it,” said Lucy.

“We have recently trained colleagues to become Menopause Leads and our dedicated menopause Hub page has been updated for Menopause Awareness Month with lots of resources, support and further information.

“We are keen this work is not confined to an Awareness Month. We want to continue this conversation all year-round, raising knowledge and awareness of the menopause and breaking down the often associated stigma.”

A video of This is Me, Let’s Pause and Talk Menopause which was filmed by students from SAMCT will soon be uploaded here, for anyone who would like to watch it back.