It may not be a subject which comes up in everyday conversation, but Avanti West Coast has encouraged colleagues to talk about the menopause.

The train operator has teamed up with industry partners across the West Midlands in order to get people talking and, at the same time, marking World Menopause Day.

At a unique event held by Network Rail at Birmingham New Street station, representatives from Avanti West Coast joined others to discuss how the company’s journey towards becoming a Menopause Friendly Employer is progressing.

The event also aimed to raise awareness of the issue and, through the power of conversation, hints and tips were exchanged around how employers in the workplace can support colleagues. Employees were also able to talk about their own experiences, while Gender Network hosted a drop-in session to support colleagues affected by menopause.

The conversation continued as Avanti West Coast hosted a drop-in session at its Wolverhampton depot, spearheaded by Customer Service Assistant Hellen Briscoe.

The company has also signed up to one of the UK’s fastest-growing websites for women, Henpicked, which costs a dynamic community of women seeking to help each other. Henpicked provides training, education and resources to help employers achieve the Menopause Friendly Employer accreditation, which indicates that a company has a clear understanding of how the menopause can impact women in their workplaces as well as showing they care about the wellbeing of their colleagues.

Earlier in the year, Avanti launched menopause guidance to help employees understand the subject, with hints, tips and guidance as to what support might be available.  An internal forum called ‘Menopause for thought’ allowed employees to discuss issues in a safe space. A new Menopause Library has been launched offering staff access to books with expert advice.

Similar events, designed to support women who are experiencing symptoms, have been held at Manchester and Preston.  Anyone else who wanted to learn about a relative or friend who may be going through he menopause was also welcomed at the events.

Speaking on World Menopause Day, Hellen Briscoe said: “At Avanti West Coast we’re proud to be playing our part to get people talking about menopause and reduce the taboo around the topic.

“We’ve had a great response to our efforts to create a safe space for women to have conversations and share their experiences with others. Whether it’s those going through symptoms or anyone that knows a friend or loved one affected by menopause, knowing they can talk to someone has provided them with great comfort and support. We want to highlight the power of these conversations – especially today – and encourage more people to talk, so everyone has a greater understanding of menopause, and so we can continue to improve our support for colleagues on the west coast.”