South Wales Menopause Community – Senedd Event

The South Wales Menopause Community (@southwalesmenopausecommunity) • Instagram photos and videos

Our Platform Launch and Senedd Event has been confirmed for the 13th of January

Menopause Matters: A Manifesto for Change in South Wales

Led by The South Wales Menopause Community

Be part of something groundbreaking. This event marks the real-world launch of the South Wales Menopause Community Platform – a bold, inclusive initiative bringing together expert speakers, supportive services, and vibrant communities to show that connection is key to thriving through menopause transitions.

You’ll experience the proposed platform in action, hear from inspiring voices, and witness how Wales is leading the way in reimagining menopause support. This isn’t just a local event—it’s a pilot with global ambition. We want Wales to be the one everyone is watching!

Our Proposal

Menopause stands as a key priority in the 10-year Health Plan, and while an initial £3 million investment is a positive step, public funding alone cannot ensure sustained support. The South Wales Menopause Community urges a new partnership, one that blends private and public resources to connect services across the region.

By expanding education to corporate workplaces and supporting a platform accessible to all, we can move beyond GP-led care to create an inclusive network. Now is the time to invest in lasting, joined-up solutions that champion informed choice and personalised menopause support for everyone in South Wales.

Three Calls to Action for Welsh Government

1. Endorse a Regional Menopause Framework

Support the development of a standards-led model connecting NHS, community and corporate menopause support services across South Wales.

2. Back a Pilot with Aneurin Bevan UHB

Help launch a pilot programme enabling GPs to refer patients to accredited menopause services. Complementing the proposed Women’s Health Hubs, this pilot will test a broader evidence-based blended pathway that integrates medical and holistic care, centred on informed choice and personalised support.

3. Co-Invest in a South Wales Menopause Centre

Collaborate with the Health Board to co-develop a regional Menopause Centre, shaping a forward-thinking service model that integrates on-site education, training, events, coaching, and digital resources. The initiative is supported through a blended funding approach including NHS referrals, corporate sponsorship, and targeted grant funding.

About Us

South Wales Menopause Community

Strengthening Health, employment and wellbeing through menopause support in South Wales

Why This Matters

• Menopause is a major health and workforce issue that affects thousands of people across South Wales. Yet support remains fragmented, with long NHS waiting times, inconsistent workplace policies, and limited access to menopause-trained professionals.
• Only 9% of respondents said their GP had a menopause specialist
• 46% needed more than three GP appointments to access effective treatment
• 91% were unaware of local menopause support beyond GP care
• 55% reported menopause negatively affected their work
  
  

Nationally, it’s estimated that menopause contributes to a £4.5 billion loss in tax revenue, with around 900,000 women having left the UK workforce due to unmanaged symptoms. The broader economic impact is estimated at over £10 billion annually in lost productivity and absence costs.

Our Vision

The South Wales Menopause Community proposes a joined-up regional model for menopause support – one that brings together healthcare providers, employers, and holistic services. Our vision is a dedicated Menopause Wellbeing Centre that supports medical, mental health, lifestyle and workplace needs under one roof, with a digital arm to ensure inclusive reach.

Together, we can improve women’s health and people experiencing menopause, protect workplace participation, and lead the way in delivering equitable menopause care in Wales.

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