A HOUSING association has been named as a finalist in two categories of the industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Employer Awards.

Aster Group has been shortlisted for the Best Support Group, and Julie Cridland, health and wellbeing lead at Aster, has been shortlisted for the Community Award.

Organised by Menopause Friendly, the inaugural Menopause Friendly Employer Awards attracted over 85 entries across 10 categories.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday, September 22 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, St Paul’s.

The Best Support Group is for the organisation that has created the best community group, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for conversations around menopause in the workplace.

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The Community Award will go to the individual who has been the biggest support, either for others around them or by taking the lead to make their own organisation menopause friendly.

Julie said: “I’m thrilled we’ve been shortlisted for our work on menopause. Listening to people really matters and it was the bravery of a few ladies quietly whispering, 'please help us,' that started this whole journey four years ago. Some people will tell you what they need, and some will just tell you how they feel, and my role has been to unpick that and create interventions that have made real a difference.”

Aster has been leading the way to raise awareness and offer support around the menopause and were one of the first businesses in the UK to receive ‘Menopause Friendly Employer’ status. The menopause support programme introduced initiatives designed for the needs of various groups of employees - whether they were experiencing menopause themselves, supporting someone else, or just wanted to be better informed. The ‘hot topic’ discussion group and regular sofa sessions provide a space for those experiencing menopause to come together and hear from experts in the area.

Rachel Credidio, chief transformation officer at Aster Group, said: “We recognise that half of our workforce will experience this life-changing event and to be open and honest, and create a community where colleagues can get support, knowing they are not alone is important to us.

“Being a Menopause Friendly Employer means we’re committed to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can be their best at every stage of their life. It’s great to have the work of our teams acknowledged in these awards.”

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Deborah Garlick, chief executive of Henpicked: Menopause in The Workplace, addded: “Aster Group was one of the UK’s first independently Accredited Menopause Friendly Employers and demonstrated they’re making a big difference for their colleagues. Support among colleagues is crucial to a successful and effective menopause friendly environment and Aster Group stood out for its work here. I’m also delighted to see Julie recognised for the amazing dedication she has shown in leading this work for Aster Group.

“It was an absolute pleasure to join the independent judging panel as they reviewed each application and to see the passion, dedication and commitment of these inspirational organisations and people to change the lived experience of menopause in their workplace. Not long ago, menopause was so clearly a taboo in the workplace: now we’re preparing to host this prestigious awards event to celebrate the achievements and progress being made in this area: it’s wonderful!”