Partnerships

APL Primary Care Network Menopause Awareness Event

Event Overview:

The APL Primary Care Network Menopause Awareness Event, held at the Marriott Hotel in Bexleyheath on Tuesday, June 20, was a resounding success, drawing over 200 attendees. The event, organised in collaboration between the APL Primary Care Network and Mind in Bexley, aimed to provide valuable insights into menopause, debunking prevalent myths surrounding this crucial stage of life.

Speakers and Topics:

The event featured distinguished speakers from various medical professions, offering a comprehensive perspective on menopause. Leila Frodsham, Consultant Gynaecologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, shared her expertise. Edelweiss Collings, Head of Psychological Therapies and Clinical Lead NHS Bexley Talking Therapies for Mind in Bexley, and Kate Shrager, Community Connect Manager for Bexley Voluntary Service Council, also addressed the audience. The inclusion of personal testimonies, such as one woman sharing her struggles with menopause, added a human touch to the sessions.

Interactive Sessions:

The event fostered open dialogue with a lively question and answer session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the panel of speakers. This interactive format enhanced the overall experience, enabling participants to seek clarification, share personal experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics discussed.

Event Organiser:

Dr Emma Agyekum, GP at The Albion Surgery in Bexleyheath and the event organiser, emphasised the importance of creating a safe space for open conversations about menopause, dispelling myths, and providing accurate information. Inspired by the experiences shared by women in her practice, she aimed to empower attendees to make informed choices about their health.

Dr Agyekum expressed gratitude to the event’s supporters and delight at the overwhelming response from the packed room.

The Commitment of Mind in Bexley:

Edelweiss Collings, Mind in Bexley’s Head of Psychological Therapies and Clinical Lead NHS Bexley Talking Therapies, highlighted the recent emergence of menopause as a spoken topic. She emphasised the commitment of Mind in Bexley to sustain these conversations, considering them vital to keeping the topic in the public’s thoughts. Mind in Bexley continues to support women through the menopause, providing resources and information on its website as well as access to mental health services, for those that need additional help, including NHS Bexley Talking Therapies.

Since the event, Mind in Bexley has successfully launched a valued Menopause Group for women to meet in Bexleyheath. The group allows Bexley residents going through the menopause to engage with each other as well as receiving support and guidance.

Impact and Future Initiatives:

The positive feedback received and the engaging discussions during the event indicate a significant step forward in raising awareness about menopause. The success of this initiative encouraged the organisers to continue the conversation around menopause and providing ongoing support and resources to the community.

In conclusion, the APL Primary Care Network Menopause Awareness Event successfully achieved its objectives of education, myth-busting, and fostering open conversations about menopause. The collaborative effort of medical professionals, community organisations, and enthusiastic attendees has set the stage for continued awareness and support for individuals navigating the challenges of perimenopause and menopause.

To read more about the Menopause support that Mind in Bexley offers, please visit: mindinbexley.org.uk/menopause/