I am currently involved in a vibrant and impactful project, 'Rainbow Menopause,' which has been graciously funded by the Iris Prize, Cardiff's celebrated International LGBT+ Short Film Prize.

This initiative aims to cast a spotlight on the menopause experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the critical need for conversations and support to be inclusive and comprehensive. 'Rainbow Menopause' is a creative endeavor under the auspices of the Menopause Inclusion Collective, and it seeks to merge interviews with clinicians and individuals who have personally navigated the menopause journey. Our mission is to share these lived experiences and individual narratives widely, fostering a deeper and more inclusive understanding of menopause.

It is an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Ceri Harris BEM, a fellow equality and inclusion professional and advocate, who is directing this meaningful film.

Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) remains a largely unrecognized condition within menstrual health, with those affected often struggling to find support or understanding for the profound impact it has on their lives. The inception of PMDD Pod was deeply personal for me, following my decision to undergo a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (the removal of both ovaries) in November 2018. This drastic measure was the culmination of a challenging journey with PMDD, a journey that became even more complex during perimenopause.

As a Menopause Cafe Host, I had witnessed firsthand the power of connection through shared experiences. This inspired me to extend that concept to create a safe space specifically for discussing PMDD, aiming to raise awareness and support others facing similar struggles. Although I have since shifted my focus towards my inclusion work, I am immensely proud that PMDD Pod continues to thrive. It's heartening to see the community grow, nurtured by the dedication of incredible volunteers and fellow PMDD activists, Sarah Nowell @myholisticjourneywithpmdd and Kat Walters @kat_she_seas. Their commitment ensures that the conversation around PMDD not only continues but expands, offering solace and understanding to many.

In December 2021, I was honored to be part of a groundbreaking 'Smart Summit', a collaboration between The Menopause Inclusion Collective, The Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation, and the Radha Paudel Foundation. This event aimed to spotlight menopause globally, a topic that, despite its frequent discussion in the UK, lacks attention worldwide. My involvement in the Dignified Menopause initiative, established following discussions with Dr. Helen Douglas and Radha Paudel, was a profound opportunity to elevate the conversation on menopause on an international scale. The summit marked a significant step in addressing menopause with dignity and inclusivity, featuring global contributions that are available for replay at our YouTube channel here.

Working with the Radha Paudel Foundation, a beacon of transformation in Nepal since 2016, underscored my commitment to inclusivity and social justice. The foundation's mission aligns with my values, emphasizing human rights, women's empowerment, and challenging menstrual taboos. This collaboration was not just an opportunity to contribute to meaningful change but a privilege to be part of a partnership dedicated to making a significant difference in the lives of many, amplifying the message of dignity and equality in menopause care and beyond.

Understanding the gap in discussions around the marginalized experiences of menopause, I initiated this pioneering project in 2021. It was clear to me that the voices of those living with less recognized aspects of menopause were not being adequately heard within the broader menopause conversation in the UK. To address this, I galvanized a group of forward-thinking individuals and professionals, all united by a common goal: to advance equity and inclusion within the menopause movement.

Our collective effort was the first of its kind in the UK to openly address and bring to light these overlooked experiences. Through collaboration, we have hosted successful events, contributed submissions to parliamentary inquiries, and gained recognition as a registered stakeholder for the 2022 N.I.C.E. Guideline review on Menopause: diagnosis and management. Our work has significantly influenced how menopause is discussed and approached in the UK, marking a pivotal shift towards a more inclusive and comprehensive dialogue around this crucial stage of life.

A small pot of funding in 2023,to provide an online pogramme programme of educational discussion events about menopause to residents in Ceredigion, providing a space to connect and empower people through conversations.

The aims for attendees were to

1. Reduce feelings of isolation about menopause.

2. Learn more about what menopause is, its impact and what can be done help in supporting the self or others.

3. Increase confidence to talk about menopause with family, and friends, with GP’s, and at work.