Menopause Awareness Month: Understanding, Support and Resources at DPIR

October 2026 | Wellbeing and inclusion at DPIR

October is Menopause Awareness Month, with World Menopause Day on 18 October. It is an opportunity to improve understanding, encourage supportive conversations and highlight the help available to staff and students across DPIR. 

Menopause is a natural life stage, but experiences differ considerably. Some people have few symptoms; others may experience changes to sleep, mood, concentration or physical wellbeing that affect their working or studying day. Perimenopause can begin before periods stop, and menopause may also occur earlier in life. 

At DPIR, we want everyone affected to feel respected and supported. No one should feel pressured to share personal health information, but everyone should know where to find reliable advice and practical help.

Finding support at DPIR and Oxford

DPIR Menopause Webpages.  A starting point for University guidance, departmental resources, training and recommended reading.  Find out more

University Menopause in the Workplace Guidance.  The University’s Menopause in the Workplace intranet pages (SSO required) provide guidance for individuals and line managers, case studies and a wide range of useful resources, and should be the first point of reference for further information. As a department, we have also gathered additional materials exploring different aspects and perspectives on menopause to offer further insight. These resources are intended to complement, rather than replace, the University’s guidance.

Menopause Support Network.  The University has a private Teams channel where staff experiencing menopause can share information and find peer support. To request access, email: wellbeing@admin.ox.ac.uk.

Support for students.  Students can seek advice from their college welfare team and University welfare services. The Counselling Service offers confidential psychological support, including individual appointments and workshops; it is not a menopause-specific medical service.  Find out more

How we can all help

A supportive culture starts with listening without making assumptions, respecting privacy and recognising that different people may need different forms of support. Managers and colleagues can help by being open to practical conversations about working conditions, signposting reliable information and avoiding stereotypes or jokes about menopause.

Menopause Awareness Month is a reminder that understanding and inclusion should extend beyond October. Whether you are experiencing menopause yourself, supporting someone else or simply want to learn more, DPIR’s menopause webpages are a useful place to begin.

Explore DPIR menopause support and resources: politics.ox.ac.uk/menopause