Learning Disability Wales’ easy read service is launching a series of free easy read booklets about menopause on World Menopause Day 2023.
The 4 free booklets, available in English and Welsh, have been made by Easy Read Wales and cover:
- What is menopause and perimenopause (PDF).
- Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause (PDF).
- What you can do to feel better during perimenopause and menopause (PDF).
- Talking to your doctor about perimenopause and menopause (PDF).
The guides have been produced thanks to Easy Read Wales’ promise to make free easy read resources every year about subjects that lack good quality accessible information.
Earlier this year Easy Read Wales asked people with a learning disability, carers and professionals what easy read information they needed. Menopause and relationships were the 2 most popular responses (a free easy read guide to relationships is currently being developed by Easy Read Wales).
Easy Read Wales worked closely with The Menopause Charity and Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales to make sure the resources are accurate and relevant.
The Menopause Charity works to make sure that women, and other individuals experiencing menopause, understand the changes that are happening to them and know what to do next.
Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales is the only patient-led charity in Wales dedicated solely to female health equality.
Production of the booklets was led by our Accessible Communications Officer, Rhian McDonnell, who researched what menopause information was available and identified gaps.
Members of Cwm Taf People First quality checked the booklets to make sure the information was easy to read and useful.
“The booklets help people understand”
Jenny Haskey, CEO of The Menopause Charity said:
“Over half of the population will experience menopause in their lifetime. Despite this, many still struggle to recognise the signs and symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, leading to delayed support and treatment.
“We want to help everyone understand the changes perimenopause and menopause bring, and are therefore delighted to be working on this important initiative with Learning Disability Wales.
“These easy read menopause booklets ensure people with learning disabilities are able to access our trusted information, so they can thrive into their second .”
Dee Montague-Coast, Engagement Officer of Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales said:
“As the only patient-led charity and disabled people’s organisation in Wales dedicated solely to women’s health equality, FTWW is delighted to support the publication of these Easy Read Wales booklets on Menopause.
Improving care for menopause is one of FTWW’s core campaigns. One of the biggest issues can be lack of information in a format that works for everyone who needs it. Having these booklets in English and Welsh means that more people who want to know about perimenopause, menopause, treatment, and how to access services in Wales can benefit.
A big thank you and well done to everyone involved in creating such an important resource.”
Members of Cwm Taf People First said:
“The pictures are really good, it really helps.” Rachel
“The booklets help people with a learning disability understand and it is important to have the information.” Lynne
“It has helped me understand what women go through so I can be sympathetic at certain times.” Lloyd
“I learnt from the booklet and it helped me talk to my mam about it.” Claire
“It helped me understand [perimenopause and menopause] and helped me understand what is happening to me.” Rachel
Accessible information is important
In July 2022, the Welsh Government established the All-Wales Menopause Task and Finish Group, to improve access to high quality menopause care and support in Wales. A recommendation from the report included the need for wider education and information on menopause.
We know that accessible information is an important part of this. We want to help everyone access the information they need so they can make informed decisions and look after their health.
The theme for this year’s World Menopause Day is cardiovascular disease. Researchers have recently discovered that menopause is one of the things that can affect the chances of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
We also know that people with a learning disability are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and experience a significant amount of health inequality. It is important that people are aware of the risk and understand what they can do to keep themselves healthy.
We hope these new easy read resources, available in Welsh and English, will support and empower people to advocate for themselves. Our aim is to help people understand more about perimenopause and menopause, so they can take steps to get the support and treatment they need.
Thank you to The Menopause Charity, Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales and Cwm Taf People First for their support developing these booklets. Thank you also to everyone that got involved and shared their ideas for what easy read resources they want and need.
This project received no external funding.
By clients choosing Easy Read Wales for their easy read documents, this has given us the opportunity to create important free information for people with a learning disability. Thank you to all our clients.
To get a free quote, find out how we can help you, and support all that Learning Disability Wales does please email easyread@ldw.org.uk.
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