Menopause affects every woman, but not every woman feels able to talk about it. In some communities it carries cultural stigma. In others, it simply isn’t discussed. The result is that many women go through one of the most significant changes of their lives without the information or support they need.
Think Menopause was a Well One campaign designed to change that. Working with specialist partners, we ran workshops across east Tower Hamlets giving women a safe space to ask questions, share experiences, and find out where to get help. A survey carried out as part of the campaign found that 11% of women aged 18 to 55 did not know what menopause was. That number told us everything we needed to know about why this campaign mattered.
The workshops
At the heart of the campaign were five community workshops held across east Tower Hamlets. Each one was designed to feel like a conversation rather than a lecture, giving women a safe, friendly space to ask questions, share experiences, and hear from others going through the same thing.
Topics covered included the physical and emotional changes that happen during menopause, treatment options for common symptoms, and how to have a productive conversation with your GP. The sessions also tackled common myths and misconceptions, because misinformation is one of the biggest barriers to women getting the support they need.
Prescription Prepayment Certificate offers more affordable HRT for UK Women
If you use HRT for menopause symptoms, you may be able to reduce prescription costs with an HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC).
Each NHS prescription item usually costs £9.90. The HRT PPC is a one-off payment of £19.80 (the cost of two items) and covers eligible HRT prescriptions for 12 months. Once you have it, you can get as many approved HRT medicines as you need during that time, including patches, tablets, gels and sprays.
It’s a simple way to keep costs down, but many people still don’t know it’s available.
Find out more
Menopause Health Information
NHS Health A-Z / Menopause
Your complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.The Menopause Charity
A hub of clear, expert-backed information and support to help people understand menopause symptoms, treatment options, and ways to manage their wellbeing.
Menopause Charities and Organisations
The Menopause Charity
Providing inclusive fact-based information, advice and support.
https://www.themenopausecharity.org
Talking Menopause
Our mission : Engage, educate, empower.
https://www.talkingmenopause.co.uk
Wellbeing of Women
Led by women’s voices, we improve health and wellbeing through research, education and advocacy.
https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk
Menopause Support
Home of #MakeMenopauseMatter campaign with a wealth of free resources on offer. There’s also the option to join a supportive Facebook group too.
https://menopausesupport.co.uk
Women’s Health Concern
WHC provides a confidential, independent service to advise, inform and reassure women about their gynaecological, sexual and post reproductive health.
https://www.womens-health-concern.org
Newson Health
Newson Health are on a mission to improve the future health of women around the world
Newson Health – Menopause & Wellbeing Centre
Balance
You can also explore the wealth of free resources on the Balance app Menopause Library
Balance – Menopause Library
Mental Health Support
Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies
Offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you with mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
If you feel like you need some help, use the Self Referral Form , or call 0208 175 1770
https://www.elft.nhs.uk/tower-hamlets-talking-therapies
Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge
MindTHNR have been supporting the local community for nearly 30 years.
https://www.mindthnr.org.uk
Activities for Wellbeing
Well One
Start right here for local activities that can help you be more physically active, learn a new skill or find a new group of like-minded friends.
https://wellone.co.uk/activities
Many of the borough’s community centres offer low-cost or free activities and social groups for residents :
Bromley By Bow Centre
Whether you’re looking to improve your health, find a job or learn a new skill, we offer a wide range of services to help.
Bromley by Bow Centre – Services (bbbc.org.uk)
HARCA Community Centres
Nestled in the heart of each estate are our community centres, each unique to the needs of the local community and a great space for you to meet friends over a cup of coffee and cake, learn new skills and participate in a range of activities.
https://www.poplarharca.co.uk/get-involved/community-centres/
