Tackling stigma, improving information: NHS Inform menopause platform
- Written by: Nicola Cogan — Women's Health Plan Team, Scottish Government — Policy and Engagement Manager
- Published: 10th November 2021
Nicola Cogan writes about the new NHS Inform menopause platform
On 20th August 2021, the Scottish Government published its Women’s Health Plan (this link will take you away from our website). The Plan sets out our ambition, and actions to be taken, to ensure all women and girls enjoy the best possible health, throughout their lives. Vitally, it takes on board the real life experiences of women who have given their feedback on what is important to them.
Throughout the development of the Women’s Health Plan, women consistently told us there is a need for accessible and reliable information about women’s health. In our lived experience survey, led by the ALLIANCE, women asked for one reliable website to access comprehensive information about all areas of women’s health. Women also highlighted that the ability to access information in different formats is essential.
We have listened and we are working to develop a comprehensive central platform for women’s health information on NHS Inform. In partnership with our colleagues at NHS 24, the first stage of this work has been completed.
A menopause information and support platform is now available on NHS Inform (this link will take you away from our website). The platform includes information about signs and symptoms of menopause, treatment options, menopause and mental wellbeing, menopause and sexual wellbeing and how to support someone experiencing menopause symptoms.
We began this work with the topic of menopause because many women told us they felt unprepared for menopause and that comprehensive information on menopause is still needed.
Unfortunately, there are still myths and stigmas about women’s health and women’s bodies in our society. We think that by talking openly and discussing women’s health in a positive and accessible way we can challenge this stigma.
That is why the menopause platform includes a series of short films with myth busters such as Professor Jason Leitch, busting the myth that men don’t need to know about the menopause, and DCMO Professor Nicola Steedman, busting the myth that menopause only happens to women in their 50s. You can watch all the myth busting films at Menopause Myths – YouTube (this link will take you away from our website).
We have also produced a lived experience video, where women share their experiences of menopause in an open and powerful way. We know that, for many women, peer support and sharing stories with other women can be a vital source of support and comfort during this often very challenging time of life. You can watch that film at Living with the Menopause – YouTube (this link will take you away from our website).
Having reliable information and sharing experience is powerful, and we hope this platform will help women, and those that support them, navigate this important transition in their lives.
End of page.
You may also like:
A child cannot truly feel safe in a school or community if they do not feel that they belong.
Continue readingFor 20 years, The ALLIANCE has listened to member voices to help protect and improve Scotland's care services.
Continue readingWith the ALISS Customisable Map Tool, organisations can share info about community resources in ways that work for the people they support.
Continue readingIrene Mackintosh, CEO at Mhor Collective shares highlights and hopes for rights in a digital age.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on the proposal to collapse Scotland's 14 regional health boards into two.
Continue readingWhen we listen to lived experience, we create better resources, challenge assumptions and help create safer communities for everyone.
Continue readingGozie reflects on supporting citizen engagement, digital inclusion and hopes for the future.
Continue readingDCP member and Project Co-ordinator Esther Misajel shares Pachedu's journey towards digital inclusion.
Continue readingChris Mackie, Director of Digital, reflects on what ALISS has achieved so far this year and shares what is still to come.
Continue readingAt the ALLIANCE and beyond, true and meaningful policy reform means turning people's experiences into lasting action on the ground.
Continue readingGLP-1s can transform health but without adequate wraparound support, weight loss may come at the cost of nutrition, muscle and wellbeing.
Continue readingSheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, is appealing for support for proposals to restrict tobacco, vapes and nicotine products.
Continue readingBilly McClean reflects on why SCIC26 offers a vital opportunity to learn together, share what works, and shape the future of integrated care
Continue readingTo mark the ALLIANCE's 20 year anniversary Paul Okroj reflects on the importance of supported self management.
Continue readingTo mark Scottish Learning Disability Week (7 - 13 September), Bruce Adamson reflects on this year's call to action.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on the current state of social care in Scotland.
Continue readingKicking off September for the ALLIANCE's 20 year anniversary, Grace reflects on the Self Management Programme
Continue readingSara Redmond, ALLIANCE Chief Officer, on the priorities for 2026's Programme for Government.
Continue readingSandra Auld reflects on the ALLIANCE's people focused impact, collaboration, lived experience, campaigns and lasting change in Scotland.
Continue readingMark shares his experience with gambling harms, and how this intersected with the launch of the ALLIANCE's ScotRGH programme in 2020.
Continue readingProfessor Anna Glasier celebrates 20 years of the ALLIANCE and it's vital role in shaping the Women's Health Plan for Scotland.
Continue readingSara Redmond, ALLIANCE Chief Officer, on the challenges faced by community-led health organisations in delivering prevention.
Continue readingAnnie shares her experience of youth politics, and how SAFE has helped her make connections and makes sense of the world of politics.
Continue readingChloe Craig reflects on how we have helped connect Scotland’s lived experience voice to conversations happening beyond our borders.
Continue readingDr Irene Oldfather reflects on two decades of growth, collaboration, and person centred impact across Scotland and beyond.
Continue reading