BVNA Menopause Toolkit
As part of our fourth campaign for the VN Futures DIWP Working Group, we have put together a free-to-access menopause toolkit for veterinary nurses. This toolkit provides signposting for support, plus useful resources for those affected by menopause, or working alongside veterinary nurses experiencing menopause.
Alex Taylor, past BVNA President, comments:
“One of this year’s campaigns from the VN Futures Diversity, Inclusivity, and Widening Participation Working Group is focused on creating awareness about working as a veterinary nurse affected by perimenopause and menopause. We have created this menopause toolkit, which contains resources such as blogs, discussion panel recordings, podcasts, menopause policies, and signposting to useful websites where veterinary nurses can access information and support. We strongly believe that all employers should have a menopause policy and put measures in place to ensure veterinary nurses affected by menopause can carry out the job role without feeling embarrassed or worried that menopausal symptoms will interfere with their everyday work life and career progression. By working together, both employers and employees can make reasonable adjustments in the workplace to provide a menopause-friendly environment that is inclusive for all.”
Discussions
Blogs
Menopause Policies
Below are some example menopause policies which provide ideas of menopause-friendly measures which can be implemented in the workplace. Practices/workplaces wishing to create their own menopause policy can use these as guidance.
British Association of Dental Nurses Menopause Policy
Apps
Podcasts
- Dr Louise Newton and Balance
- Menopause and Me
- The Positive Perimenopause Podcast – Polly Warren
- Hello Menopause
- Interview with Steph Worsley RVN
Videos
Websites
Support and information on perimenopause and menopause:
- Menopause Matters
- Daisy Network (POI)
- NICE Menopause
- Menopause Exchange
- Talking Menopause
- Balance
- Women’s Health Concern
- Menopause and Me
- Wellbeing or Women
- Menopause Experts
- The Menopause Charity
- Women’s Health Concern Factsheet
- NHS Inform: Supporting someone through the menopause
Menopause in the workplace:
- FOM – Guidance on Menopause
- ACAS – Menopause at work
- Menopause in the Workplace
- Menopause in the Workplace – Equality
- Menopause in the Workplace: Menopause and work – why it’s so important
- Menopause in the Workplace: Employment law
Support and guidance for menopause or hormonal changes in men and those from trans, intersex, and non-binary communities:
- Menopause in the Workplace: How do hormonal changes affect the trans and non-binary community?
- Menopause in the Workplace: Why diversity and inclusion matter in menopause support
- Menopause Experts: LGBTQ+ and menopause
- BAUS: Male menopause
- Age UK: The male menopause
- NHS: Male menopause
Veterinary Woman Resources
- Vets and menopause – empowering women through knowledge
- Menopause and the effect on professionals and teams
- Menopause in the veterinary profession
- Menopause support for vet teams
More information about VN Futures and the DIWP working group can be found below: