Assist Strategy Board
Sharon MacArthur is the owner of Miss Menopause which was set up over 3 years ago in response to the lack of information about menopause in the workplace. Sharon works face to face and online around the country. Sharon is passionate about educating everyone where ignorance can no longer be an excuse.
She has appeared on BBC Breakfast, ITN News and Victoria Derbyshire and is a regular on BBC Radio Newcastle taking about the subject of menopause. She is shortlisted as a Northern Power Woman One to Watch.
Miss Menopause has been created to fill the void of educational services needed by working women as they reach the menopause.
It’s estimated less than 5% of companies across the UK are educating their workforce about the symptoms that menopause may bring.
So why does it matter?
Since 1971 there has been an ongoing decline in men working full time while the opposite is true of women. It’s estimated that in 15 years time the amount of full time working women will equal that of men. The changes to pensionable age brought about in 2010 also mean more women are working for longer than ever before. This trend is set to continue.
Who is affected?
100% of all women will go through the menopause with the average age being 51, however symptoms may begin many years before. Mental health issues can often arise due to menopause as well as a host of other symptoms.
How might this affect me?
Millions of days are being lost to presenteeism, which is driving down productivity. So you won’t find data on this problem as it’s currently hidden. As our workforce ages this is set to increase.
What is the answer?
Miss Menopause works with organisations around the UK educating everyone about the impact of menopause and how best to manage it for those affected as well as their leaders. Fun and engagement are the key to learning and Sharon delivers this in spades.
*This is not a medical service.
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Jackie Dack of TEAL
Personal Performance Coach
Since joining Assist I have been invited to events including Hidden Women of Teesside, where I had the chance to network with local business women and build contacts. I felt very welcomed and part of something supportive of where I'm at today and what I'm trying to achieve. I now have an experienced mentor for the next year to help me focus and build my dreams. Lastly I was invited to the Assist Christmas meal which was amazing as being self-employed and a small grassroots organisation, it can get lonely so I was grateful for the opportunity to connect with other women feeling the same way and trying to achieve great things.
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Independent Recovery Advocates and Consultants & Lobster Recovery
Having struggled for a while to find a womens network in Teesside, i stumbled across of the Assist events by chance. How happy i am that i did. Ann and the team make the networking fun and relevant, informative and comfortable. I've made several really good business connections, but mostly i've met some great women who i know i could turn to for advice, or even just to meet for a coffee. We all face the same issues within business and personally and the Assist meet's allow collaboration, suggestion, support and smiles. Thank you Assist x
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Manager
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