Huntingdon fire station tackles menopause awareness among firefighters

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is educating firefighters about menopause to address stigma surrounding women's health. Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson visited Huntingdon Fire and Rescue Station on 15 October to mark Menopause Awareness Month. Ms Phillipson said there was still 'quite a lot of ignorance' about the menopause and its effects on women, particularly in the workplace. She highlighted the importance of employers creating cultures where staff feel able to discuss their experiences and provide practical support.

The service has introduced measures to support women, including making period products routinely available for firefighters working on callouts. Huntingdon station has appointed Hayley Douglas as its menopause champion. At Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, women comprise 24 per cent of firefighters, with about a third aged 40 to 55, well above the national average where only about one in ten firefighters are women.

Ms Douglas said supporting women through health challenges could help attract more women to the fire and rescue service as a career. She noted that firefighting attracts recruits in their early twenties, meaning many would be approaching or experiencing menopause during their working lives.

How it is being reported

• WATCH: The Cambridgeshire fire station trying to 'break the taboo of menopause'Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is trying to "break the taboo of menopause" by educating firefighters about women's health.Ely Standard · 21 Oct, 16:00
• WATCH: The Cambridgeshire fire station trying to 'break the taboo of menopause'Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is trying to "break the taboo of menopause" by educating firefighters about women's health.Cambs Times · 21 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service · Huntingdon Fire and Rescue Station · Bridget Phillipson · Hayley Douglas

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