More than 40 South Wales Police colleagues are now trained ‘Menopause Champions’ thanks to work driven by the Force’s Menopause Action Group and Gender Support Network.
The training, delivered by an accredited facilitator connected to Dr Louise Newson’s team, has already reached dozens of officers and staff – including men – helping to build understanding and empathy throughout the organisation.
Members of the Menopause Action Group have also worked closely with other forces, HR, and wellbeing teams to ensure that the Menopause Champion training is accredited, science-backed, and fit for purpose.
The Menopause Champions are there for colleagues who feel they need support, information or signposting in relation to the menopause.
Federation representative Wendy Canning, who is part of the Menopause Action Group, said: “Menopause affects everyone differently.
“It’s not just about hot flushes – there are over 40 recognised symptoms, including anxiety, brain fog, sleep problems, tinnitus, and dry eyes. Yet too often, women are told to just take antidepressants instead of receiving the right support.”
For Wendy, her personal experience drives her passion to support others.
After being diagnosed with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and undergoing a hysterectomy that led to surgical menopause, she knows firsthand how life-changing the right diagnosis and treatment can be.
Mood swings
“Before I got the right help, I had heavy bleeding, back pain, extreme mood swings, anxiety, and brain fog, and debilitating depression,” Wendy explained.
“Basically, any fluctuation in my hormones made me very unwell, and the menopause exacerbated this. It wasn’t until I saw a specialist that I was told I had PMDD.
“Since then, I’ve been on the right treatment, but it’s still very challenging to manage.
“That’s why I’m passionate about helping others get the right support sooner, as the menopause cannot only have a massive impact on the individual but also their partners and families.”
Her experience reflects that of many others in the Force. Wendy explains that increasingly, cases are raised by women involve menopause-related issues – from performance concerns linked to brain fog to extended absences due to fatigue or anxiety.
Supported
She said: “By building awareness among line managers and offering reasonable adjustments, such as flexible working or role adaptations, we can help colleagues remain in work, healthy, and supported.
“It’s not about special treatment. It’s about understanding what people are going through and making small changes that keep good, experienced staff and officers in the job.”
The Menopause Action Group has been campaigning for over two years for a dedicated Menopause Policy.
While a toolkit currently exists on BOB, the team is working to create a dedicated menopause page to make resources easier to find. This page will include links, toolkits, policy guidance, and signposting to external specialists and organisations.
South Wales Police has also taken positive steps through Occupational Health, funding consultations for officers and staff to see menopause specialists where needed.
Menopause
Wendy continued: “This recognition of menopause as a genuine occupational health concern marks an important step toward creating a more inclusive and understanding workplace.
“As awareness grows, so too does the commitment to change. The goal is simple – to ensure every officer and staff member understands menopause, so that menopause is no longer a taboo subject or a career-limiting factor.”
On Wednesday (22 October), a Menopause Awareness Event will be taking place at Force HQ.
The informal session will take place on Wednesday (22 October) in the HR Assessment Room, first floor of the South Wales Police HQ from 9am until 4pm.
Led by the Force’s Menopause Action Group, the event will be a safe space for open conversation – whether you’re going through menopause yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply want to learn more.
Event details:
Date: Wednesday 22 October
Where: HR Assessment Room, HQ
Time: 9am – 4pm
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