The City of Wolverhampton Council sent a clear message to colleagues, residents and employers everywhere: menopause matters.
By raising the Menopause Friendly flag outside the Civic Centre, the council showed its commitment to breaking stigma, supporting employees and encouraging other organisations to follow its lead.
This was no symbolic gesture. The council has already achieved Menopause Friendly Accreditation and was a finalist for Most Open Culture at the Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025. The flag now flying in St Peter’s Square is a proud statement of progress – and a call to action.
Setting the scene for lasting change
The ceremony began with words from David Pattison, Chief Operating Officer, who set the tone for the day: “The City of Wolverhampton Council cares deeply about the wellbeing of its colleagues. This isn’t a programme or an initiative – this is about meaningful change for good. And today, by raising the Menopause Friendly flag above the Civic Centre, we are showing that commitment proudly to our colleagues, to our city and to other employers across the country.
We’re not just raising a flag on a pole – we’re planting it in the ground. We are saying that menopause matters, that support matters and that now is the time for other employers to step up and do the same.”
Champions breaking the silence
The heart of the morning came from the council’s menopause champions. These colleagues volunteer to support others, raise awareness and challenge stigma.
One champion reflected on how much the role has meant: “Being a champion has given me the opportunity to support women experiencing menopausal challenges at work. I’ve already helped at least 30 colleagues, encouraged open conversations and reminded managers that symptoms are real and need understanding.
Menopause-friendly workplaces are about understanding, caring, showing empathy and making sure people know they are not alone. If I’m quiet one day, or struggling with brain fog, it doesn’t mean I don’t care – it means I need a little space. With that understanding, we can all thrive.”
Another champion spoke about the cultural impact: “I grew up in a household where menopause was never spoken about – it was just called The Change. I learned about it properly for the first time here at the council, through our awareness campaigns. That touched something deep inside me.
Being a champion isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about being there. At the City of Wolverhampton Council, we don’t just look at data – we see the people behind it. That’s what makes the difference.”
Recognising achievements
Deborah Garlick, founder of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace and Menopause Friendly, praised the council’s progress: “What you’ve achieved here is remarkable. You’ve created a culture where people feel safe to share their stories, and where support is real and accessible. Raising this flag today isn’t just marking a milestone – it’s making a statement that menopause matters.”
A councillor’s call to action
Councillor Jeszemma Howl also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the pride the council feels in the progress made – and sending out a wider challenge: “The City of Wolverhampton Council is proud of the work we’ve done to become a menopause friendly employer. But this isn’t just about us – it’s about showing other employers what’s possible. Becoming menopause friendly is more than a title. It’s a promise to listen, to learn and to lead with empathy. We’re proud to be leading the way here in Wolverhampton – and we encourage other employers to follow our example.”
A leader’s personal journey
Before the flag was raised, Laura Phillips, Director of People Services, shared her own story of experiencing premature menopause: “About 18 months ago I just didn’t feel myself. I became anxious, lost confidence, and brain fog made meetings really difficult. When my GP confirmed I’d gone through menopause prematurely, it was overwhelming – but it also made sense.
What made the difference was being able to share it at work. I went straight to one of our champions and instantly felt lighter. I wasn’t alone. Having managers and colleagues who understand, who allow me to be open about brain fog or fatigue, has been such a relief.
We’ve created a culture where I feel supported and that’s priceless.”
Her honesty struck a chord with colleagues and guests, underscoring how openness from leaders can normalise conversations across the whole organisation.
Flying the flag for change
The ceremony also included a reading of Echoes of Support, a poem written by one of the champions, before the Menopause Friendly flag was raised proudly above the Civic Centre.
For everyone present, it was a powerful moment. The flag symbolises a cultural shift that has already transformed lives. The City of Wolverhampton Council has:
- Achieved Menopause Friendly Accreditation, the recognised independent standard for best practice.
- Been shortlisted for Most Open Culture at the national Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards.
- Built a network of champions, providing visible, peer-to-peer support.
- Embedded menopause awareness into its policies, training, workshops and leadership culture.
- Taken a “One Council” approach, ensuring support is available consistently across the organisation.
Leading the way and an invitation to join in…
For the City of Wolverhampton Council, raising the flag is not the end of the journey but a milestone along the way. The council is committed to building further awareness, supporting more colleagues and sharing best practice with others.
