Page 9 - Federation magazine: December 2016 / January 2017
P. 9
Force takes innovative
approach to raising
menopause awareness
Aseries of menopause awareness explains Carol Brown from the service the menopause
sessions organised by the Force improvement team, who was involved in l Exploring theory such as The Pygmalion
proved to be a great success. organising the training.
The sessions, aimed at supervisors, The main objective of the training was effect with practical tips and
were led by external training provider to give delegates skills and techniques to techniques to avoid negative influence
Laughology which uses humour to help them think, act, behave and - especially in relation to beliefs about
encourage people to talk about what can, communicate in ways that promote gender abilities and working with older
for some, be a difficult subject. positive and open conversations to help women
The awareness sessions were well support women through menopause. l Coaching and thinking models to help
received by all participants, with the first The sessions also explored the promote positive decision-making,
seeing officers and staff joined by neuroscience and biological science of reflective thinking and support
supervisors from West Midlands Fire menopause to help managers, leaders, l Insights into gender neuroscience and
Service, and representatives from police teams and individuals understand the knowledge of the real facts and myths
forces in the City of London, West Yorkshire, importance of science based knowledge of the male and female brain
Dyfed Powys and Northumbria together and how this can improve behaviours, l Practical solutions to help all people at
with members from West Midlands Police support for women and the greater team. this time of life
Federation, Unite and PMAS. They covered: l A Q & A to help alleviate any concerns,
“All attendees said how much they l The science and neuroscience of brain anxieties, uncertainties or just to open
enjoyed the 90-minute sessions and that up conversations.
they were important in helping them to and body changes during menopause Carol said afterwards: “Attendees said
understand the impact of the menopause l An understanding of the menopause they would definitely recommend
symptoms on women; not only in their attendance to other line managers. The
workplace but also on their families,” and challenges around it workshops were so successful that further
l Exploring practical ways to talk, engage sessions are to be held in the New Year.”
and help women and men talk about
“Attendees said they would definitely
recommend attendance to other line
managers. The workshops were so
successful that further sessions are to be
held in the New Year.
““
www.westmidspolfed.com federation December 2016/January 2017 09
