New menopause support community launched
IP Inclusive has launched a new community group to support those in the IP professions impacted by menopause and perimenopause.
The new community promotes menopause-inclusive workplace practices, supporting more inclusive approaches in the IP profession.
Having developed from a working group, IPause has now evolved to become a formal community.
Getting involved
Community members also have access to private LinkedIn and Whatsapp groups, which offer a space to discuss experiences and symptoms of (peri)menopause, along with sharing techniques for managing these symptoms.
The community will also continue to run events, including webinars, coffee dates for members and informal discussion groups for key issues.
IP Inclusive will be celebrating the arrival of IPause with a “Menopause Matters” coffee date-style gathering (online) on Thursday 11 April.
Like all IP Inclusive communities, any IP professional affected by menopause or perimenopause – either through personal experience or connection to those experiencing it - is invited to join.
Andrea Brewster, CEO of IP Inclusive, said: “We're delighted to welcome IPause to our IP Inclusive networking and support communities.
“When we set up a small working group to provide (peri)menopause support a year or so ago, it clearly touched a nerve: engagement has been widespread throughout the IP Inclusive community and several really popular events and resources soon emerged.
“(Peri)menopause is likely to affect pretty much all of us at some time in our lives, whether because we go through it ourselves or because we want to support a friend, relative or colleague who’s going through it.
“It can have huge impacts on our work and our relationships - and yet with a little more understanding and support, those impacts can be managed. That's why IPause is so important, in the IP professions as everywhere else. And that's why involvement is welcomed from IP professionals of all genders, ages, roles and career levels.
“IPause is where you'll be able to find support, reassurance, information and, often, inspiration from other IP professionals who are going through the same things as you. Whether you want to have a "chat and a rant" in our private WhatsApp or LinkedIn groups, talk among friends at our informal coffee dates, learn about coping tactics from our webinars and resources, or work with IPause to improve workplace support for you and your colleagues, there'll be something here for everyone.”
Learning more
Understanding the symptoms and challenges related to menopause and perimenopause is crucial in order for the legal profession to become more inclusive.
To support this effort, IP Inclusive has compiled a set of resources which anyone can use to learn more about this topic.
Participation in IPause
IPause is managed by a volunteer committee. If you are interested in joining this committee, please click here to get in touch with IP Inclusive.
The new community joins IP Inclusive’s other five community groups:
- IP Out: LGBT+ IP professionals and allies
- Women in IP
- IP & Me: Ethnic minority IP practitioners
- IP Ability: Disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, carers and allies working within the IP professions.
- IP Futures: Early career stage IP professionals