This World Menopause Day the NSW Government is focusing on raising awareness of perimenopause and menopause in culturally and linguistically diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as women who live with intellectual disability, with the launch of increased accessibility Toolkits.
The campaign is designed to foster greater understanding and facilitate conversations about an important transition in women’s lives.
The free online Perimenopause and Menopause Toolkit includes a menopause symptoms checklist and podcast series about common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause that women can experience, which can include hot flushes, night sweats, body aches and mood changes.
To support diverse communities, the menopause symptoms checklist has been translated into eight languages.
A bespoke campaign aimed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities includes a culturally appropriate poster, social media assets and animated video.
A simple and easy-to-understand version is also now available to women who live with intellectual disability.
GPs have and continue to be a trusted first point of contact for people experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Menopause management can be complex. For this reason, the NSW Government will ensure the menopause awareness campaign continues to support GPs through accredited professional development opportunities.
The NSW Government has committed $37.3 million over the next four years to improve access to expert advice for women experiencing severe or complex menopausal symptoms and address the associated health risks such as fractures, risk of stroke and heart disease.
Additionally, the most recent Budget handed down in NSW allocated a record amount for Women’s Health Centres, providing additional support for women who use these centres.
As part of this year’s campaign, a new resource has also been developed for partners and family members, offering further support to those experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
The Toolkit also includes resources to support managers and employees navigating menopause in the workplace, and look to facilitate conversations about people’s experiences in the workplace.
The menopause awareness campaign is part of the NSW Government’s continuing commitment to supporting women’s health and wellbeing. To access the toolkits, click here.
“Menopause will affect most women at some stage of their life, yet it is still considered a taboo topic. I am particularly pleased that the toolkit presents information about symptoms through podcasts and translations, as this enables more people in our state to connect with the menopause awareness campaign in ways that suit them," Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said.
“We know women often bear their health burdens in silence, which is why we’re committed to bringing awareness and education on women’s health issues.”
Minister for Health Ryan Park said the NSW Government recognises the impacts menopause can have on women’s health and wellbeing, as well as their economic and social opportunities.
“NSW Health is ensuring improvements in the accessibility of services to provide support for women who experience changes in their health due to perimenopause and menopause,” Minister Park said.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said delivering appropriate and culturally sensitive health advice to multicultural communities was a great initiative.
“Everyone in NSW should have access to health services and advice. This initiative will help to address the language barrier many in our multicultural community face delivering better services for the people of NSW.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said resources to support Aboriginal women going through menopause and perimenopause was scarce, and the availability of the toolkit would be a great way to ensure Aboriginal women have culturally appropriate information.
