Menopause support initiatives thriving at Wrexham University
Date: October 15, 2026
October is Menopause Awareness Month, and Wrexham University is marking it with a celebration of its Menopause Champions Programme, and a roll out of new support initiatives.
As a trauma-informed university, Wrexham is committed to creating a menopause-inclusive workplace, with measures in place to support staff experiencing menopausal symptoms, as well as those supporting family members, friends and colleagues.
Alongside a network of trained Menopause Champions who provide advice, information and guidance on adjustments that can help make work life easier, new menopause policies, supported by practical guidance and a manager's toolkit, are also being introduced to help managers have informed and supportive conversations with staff.
The University is additionally developing a Menopause Action Plan, which will be submitted alongside its Gender Pay Gap reporting in the new year.
Menopause Champion, and Head of Organisational Development and Diversity, Alison Bloomfield, said: "Creating a menopause-inclusive culture is about making sure people feel understood, valued and able to access the right support when they need it. Menopause can affect people in different ways, both personally and professionally, and having a workplace where people feel comfortable having open conversations can make a real difference.
“As someone moving through the menopause and previously experiencing problems with fibroids, I know how supportive our University can be. My manager put adjustments in place to help me feel comfortable and able to continue with my work, and I would encourage everyone to seek support if they need it, whether that's from their line manager or one of our Menopause Champions.”
Lisa Scully, Wrexham City Board Programme Manager, added: Menopause can affect concentration, sleep, confidence and wellbeing. Awareness is important for everyone, not just those experiencing symptoms.
"By increasing understanding and growing our network of Menopause Champions, we can continue building an inclusive and compassionate workplace where nobody feels they have to navigate menopause alone. The Champion Network has been instrumental in developing training, delivering P&C Connect sessions, designing the baseline survey and helping shape the policy through staff consultation."
Potential workplace adjustments can include flexibility for medical appointments, access to temperature controls such as desk fans, quiet spaces for short periods of rest, and improved access to facilities where possible.
Wrexham University’s Menopause Champions include: Alison Bloomfield, Lisa Scully, Lisa Formby, Jane Hill, Catherine Hewins, Caroline Hughes, Rose Norton, and Danielle Sullivan.
Wrexham University Menopause Champions Lisa Formby, Rose Norton, Ali Bloomfield, Jane Hill