AIREDALE NHS Foundation Trust has won recognition for its work supporting staff experiencing menopausal symptoms.

It is one of 14 organisations regionally to receive the Menopause Friendly Workplace Accreditation.

The accolade was awarded, by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace, after a rigorous independent inspection.

A spokesperson for the trust says: "Everyone experiences the menopause transition differently and for some people it can have a significant and challenging impact.

"There are over 30 symptoms which are often debilitating and unpredictable, including hot flushes, anxiety, insomnia, problems with concentration and memory, fatigue, palpitations, headaches, muscle and joint pains and low mood. These can last for a number of years, so workplace support is very important."

Several initiatives are operated by the trust.

A menopause support network offers information and help, including to the partners of people experiencing symptoms, and a series of speakers is planned. The first will be Serena Hampson, a pelvic health physiotherapist.

There's a dedicated email address to ask questions or share advice.

The trust library includes a number of publications on the subject.

A special section, including various resources, exists on the trust's intranet.

Menopause cafes and events take place, and products are made available to try.

Plus there is a 'tips wall' where people can place post-it notes with helpful advice.

Sarah Heys, wellbeing lead at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, says: "Being a menopause friendly employer is extremely important for our current and future workforce – helping us attract and retain, and making Airedale the best place to work.

"We embraced working towards accreditation and are committed to embedding good practice around it.

"I’m particularly proud of the work we've done – and continue to do – to raise awareness about all stages of the menopause, and the engagement work we have carried out with colleagues and line managers in helping to normalise the conversation around menopause at work. This not only supports colleagues at Airedale, but will also help our local community and future generations."

Katie Lister, head of communications at the trust and co-lead of the menopause support network, says: "We want people to feel they can have a conversation about menopause, and that it’s not felt to be a shameful thing. All the women in our organisation are going to go through it at some point, so if we can make it easier for them and the next generation then that’s a real achievement."