The line-up includes talks giving a basic introduction to menopause, as well as an information session about the support available to colleagues.

Today’s events are part of a wider range of support available, which includes a dedicated Menopause Champion within the HR function, dedicated webinars on the subject, and free sanitary supplies in toilets.

The group has been offering this support since March 2021 and has received positive feedback from colleagues since then.

OSB Group’s customer service assistant Nicky Ridge, said: “It was a real eye opener attending the menopause workshop with people development, as I had no idea what I was experiencing was normal — it gave me a better understanding that then prompted me to speak to my GP.

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“It also gave awareness to the younger people in the company who would probably have never understood the full symptoms and the impact it can have on your abilities to carry out your job on a daily basis, as no two days are ever the same.”

Michelle Boyd, vulnerable customer officer at OSB Group, stated: “At last someone taking notice! 

“The best way for me to describe how it impacts me is it’s as if the ‘menopause fairy’ comes in and puts fog in my head!

“Sometimes it feels as though my brain cells have been sucked from my mind, and I find my patience levels are disappearing, and that’s not a great feeling at all.

“I don’t mind sharing my experiences because I know it’s not spoken about nearly enough and I am only at the start of my journey, so still a little way to go.”

Carly Spittle, people development training manager at OSB Group and organiser of the menopause support programme (pictured above), emphasised the importance of awareness.

“We work hard to remove any barriers in the workplace and create discussions and awareness around many topics, including those that have been seen as ‘taboo’ subjects.

“We want to talk about these subjects that affect everyone at some point in their lives, and through discussing them, we are carving appropriate support for our colleagues.

“These sessions on menopause help to educate and raise awareness around the many side effects that can be experienced, such as ‘brain fog’, mood changes, irritability and anxiety just to name a few.

“This not only helps people experiencing these to know that these symptoms are normal for menopause and perimenopause, but also helps other colleagues to identify and understand these effects and how they can impact on people experiencing these.”