Clubs embrace the Menopause Friendly campaign

Thursday 28th December 2023

Athletics clubs across Scotland have lent their support to our Menopause Friendly campaign, which aims to encourage athletes to stay active with their clubs through this stage of life.

The initiative was launched to clubs in October, with support from Olympic champion hurdler Sally Gunnell, who heralded the project as ‘groundbreaking’.

Clubs that sign up are asked to use the resources on our website to educate themselves about menopause and athletics:

They can then take some simple steps to make their training sessions more menopause friendly – the might include flexible sessions for those with fluctuating symptoms; starting and ending endurance sessions at/near public toilets; chatting openly about menopause. They can then use our Menopause Friendly Club branding to promote the club, and signal to athletes that they’ll be well-supported through this stage of life.

We’re delighted that nine of our clubs have signed up to take part –

Falkirk Victoria Harriers
Springburn Harriers
Inverclyde AC
Kirkintilloch Olympians
Kilmarnock Harriers & AC
Newton Road Runners
Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club
Lothian Running Club
Motherwell AC

Huge thanks to them all, and in particular to the individuals at each club leading the way on their menopause work.

* It’s not too late to join the campaign! Your club can sign up via the Menopause Friendly – information and advice for clubs and coaches page.

There are benefits to all coaches learning more about menopause and athletics – not only those currently experiencing menopause. We would actively encourage male coaches and those who are younger to find out more, and learn about the effect menopause can have on athletes, and understand better how to support them through this stage of life.

The launch of the campaign to athletics clubs came two years after it was first launched to jogscotland groups, with around 30 groups now signed up. The innovation of the jogscotland Menopause Friendly campaign was recognised with the Inspiration in Sport award at the Scottish Women in Sport Awards last year.

Below: Sally Gunnell is supporting the campaign