UK Colleges Bring Menopause and Mental Health to the Forefront

In a refreshing and much-needed shift, two Further Education (FE) colleges in the UK—Derby College Group (DCG) and Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT)—are placing a strong spotlight on menopause awareness and mental health support as part of this year’s Learning at Work Week.

The nationwide campaign encourages organizations to promote learning and personal growth in the workplace. But these two colleges have gone a step further, recognizing that true workplace development starts with wellbeing—especially when it comes to topics often overlooked, like menopause.

Going Beyond Traditional Training: Wellbeing in Focus

Instead of just offering standard skills training, both DCG and BCoT are focusing on a more holistic approach to workplace wellness. Their Learning at Work Week initiatives include everything from wild food foraging and cold-water dipping to mindfulness sessions, nutrition coaching, breathwork, and sleep support.

At Derby College Group, staff are being offered a wide range of personal development activities designed to improve both physical and mental health. The sessions aim to create a calm, supportive space where employees can reduce stress, build confidence, and reconnect with their wellbeing.

Menopause Awareness at Work: A Conversation That Matters

One of the most impactful parts of these colleges’ wellness programs is the emphasis on menopause awareness. Recognizing that menopausal symptoms can significantly affect women’s daily work life, DCG and BCoT are creating safe and open spaces to talk about it.

Workshops and discussions are being offered to help women understand the physical and emotional changes that come with perimenopause and menopause. Topics include managing hot flashes at work, improving sleep quality, dealing with mood swings, and finding peer support. The colleges are also encouraging their staff to share personal experiences, helping to normalize what so many women go through silently.

By offering this type of education in the workplace, these institutions are helping reduce stigma and empowering women to seek support, both professionally and personally.

Mental Health and Workplace Culture Go Hand in Hand

Another key area of focus is mental health support. Staff are being encouraged to take time to explore ways of managing anxiety, burnout, and emotional fatigue. Through coaching sessions, group activities, and expert-led workshops, these initiatives help reduce stress and improve overall mood and motivation.

By combining menopause awareness and mental health conversations, the colleges are helping staff feel more connected, heard, and appreciated. It’s a powerful message: when workplaces support real-life health issues, productivity and happiness follow.

A Model for Menopause-Inclusive Workplaces

What DCG and BCoT are doing may seem simple, but it’s rare and essential. Too often, topics like menopause in the workplace are left unspoken, leaving many women feeling unsupported. These colleges are showing that with the right approach, employers can create a more inclusive and understanding environment where everyone thrives.

Whether it’s cold-water dips for resilience or open conversations about menopause symptoms, this fresh take on workplace learning sets a positive example for other institutions and employers.

Final Thoughts: Why This Matters to Women at Work

Learning at Work Week is not just about improving job skills—it’s about making the workplace better for everyone. With forward-thinking approaches like those at Derby College and Basingstoke College, the conversation around menopause, mental health, and overall wellness is finally being prioritized.

This shift is more than welcome—it’s essential. For midlife women balancing work, health, and family, this kind of support could be life-changing.

Full Credit to: From wild food foraging and cold-water dips to mental health and menopause awareness – discover how two FE colleges are marking Learning at Work Week [FE News UK]