Today is a very special day.
Around this time 14 years ago I was plunged into surgical menopause. Sadly, I was not given the right information prior to my surgery, or the right care and support following it. That led me to a very dark place in my life and I am forever grateful to my loved ones for getting me through.
Once I got the right help and support it made me wonder if others were struggling with menopause, however they had got there. What I found in my research horrified me, and I vowed to myself that if I ever felt well enough, I would make sure that I did something to change the menopause landscape.
It took me a long time to feel able to do that, but two years after my surgery I began to counsel and support those experiencing menopause. That was hugely rewarding work but I realised we needed a support organisation that anyone could turn to, and a national campaign to improve menopause education, information, care and support.
On this day, back in 2016 Menopause Support was launched, followed a few months later by our community support group, and in 2018 by the #MakeMenopauseMatter campaign.
I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a team over the past decade. We know from all of the lovely messages that we receive that the work we do in campaigning, advocacy, education and support, improves and changes lives, but we don’t do that alone. Thank you to everyone who shares our resources, services and campaign petition with your community, or by working with us, donating or fundraising for us, you are part of the team too.
To my amazing team Andrea Swan, Steph Marsh, Vanessa Leigh, Tania Hewitt and Elaina Hermitage who continue to show up everyday, with kindness, compassion and integrity. Thank you.