A HOUSING association that has properties in Andover and Hampshire has won an industry recognised award for its work to support people going through the menopause.
Aster Group won the Best Support Group award at the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2022.
Hosted by Menopause Friendly and powered by HSBC UK, first direct and M&S Bank, the awards were held on Thursday, September 22.
They were presented by broadcaster Louise Minchin and welcomed guest of honour the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, chair of the women and equalities select committee and MP for Romsey.
The inaugural awards comprised 10 categories showcasing the commitment and determination of employers and individuals to open conversations, provide support and normalise menopause in the workplace.
The Best Support Group Award was given to the organisation that has created the best community group, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment in which conversations around menopause in the workplace can occur.
Rachel Credidio, chief transformation officer at Aster Group, said: “Our teams have worked extremely hard to create a culture where our colleagues feel able to share their personal experiences - directly or indirectly - of the menopause. We’re absolutely thrilled this has been recognised by the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards and we’ll continue to ensure our menopause offer remains a priority in our organisation.”
Shortlisted alongside Aster Group were: Lloyds Banking Group, Alzheimer’s Society, Santander UK, Boots UK & Ireland, Boots Opticians and No7 Beauty Company, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)
“Aster Group should feel immensely proud of what it has achieved in winning this hotly contested award,” said Chris Pitt, CEO of first direct.
“As with nearly all large organisations, it is not easy to facilitate change in the way people respond and approach things. Aster began this process of creating such an open environment, in which people feel comfortable to talk and share their experiences, with 10 people offering practical support; it now stands at over 1,000 people! The whole group has embraced this philosophy; a belief which started within the workforce has inspired leaders to become actively involved. Aster richly deserves the plaudits it has received in creating such support within its workplace.”
Other sponsors of the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards were; BAE Systems, Santander, Lloyds Banking Group, Boots, Peppy, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celerity, Theramex and Vitabiotics.
The not-for-profit awards will be donating £75,000 to three deserving causes - Wellbeing of Women and The Daisy Network charities and the University of Bournemouth – to further their excellent work and research into menopause, autism and neurodiversity.
The 10 categories and the winners are:
Category 1 – Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year
Bristol Myers Squibb
Category 2 – Most Open Workplace
Thames Valley Police
Category 3 – Best Engagement Campaign
Boots UK & Ireland, Boots Opticians and No 7 Beauty Company
Category 4 – Most Menopause Friendly Environment
HSBC UK including first direct and M&S Bank
Category 5 – Best Trained Workforce
Bristol Myers Squibb
Category 6 – Best Training Initiative
Leicestershire County Council
Category 7 – Best Support Group
Aster Group
Category 8 – Most Supportive Partner
Santander UK
Category 9 – Community Award
Mandy Baughurst - Leicestershire County Council
Category 10 – The Carolyn Lazurus Award
Theresa Winters - Santander UK
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