Report for Menopause and Mind Survey Feedback – Housing and Finance
Menopause and Mind are a local community group established March 2023 that provides inclusive support for those experiencing mental health struggles during the menopause transition. We take a trauma-informed approach, recognising that every menopause experience is different, and aim to create non-judgemental environments for sharing experiences. Alongside providing workshops and peer support, we conduct local research and engage with others to try and improve the standards of healthcare and living standards of those struggling during the menopause transition.
Our 2024/25 report will be available in full in late 2025, but below are some draft findings.
For more information on why we need more research on menopause, see our blog post here: https://menoandmind.org/2024/10/18/why-we-need-more-research-on-menopause/
You can read our full research report from last year here: https://menoandmind.org/2024/04/03/i-suffer-in-silence-menopause-and-mind-research-brighton-and-hove-2023/
Background to Menopause in Brighton and Hove
Although it is hard to estimate due to the lack of monitoring and variable age that peri-menopause starts and ends, the number of individuals in Brighton and Hove going through the peri-menopausal transition is estimated to range between 20,000 – 25,000. This is a significant proportion of the local population, many of whom will be living in rented accommodation, with Brighton rental occupancy being estimated at around 30%.
While a small amount have little to no symptoms, studies indicate that 86% of report that menopausal symptoms negatively affect their mental health. Most experience physical health issues, which can impact their earning ability, and for those who are rarely discussed in the media who are engaged in unpaid care work or on benefits, it can make managing an already difficult housing and financial situation increasingly difficult. it is worth noting that those with pre-exisiting health issues and/or disabilities, including trauma, neurodivergence and physical health issues are likely to experience a more difficult menopause transition. As ever, other marginalised groups, including minority-ethnic groups, low-waged and on benefits, and refugees, are likely to suffer more because of societal discrimination and poorer quality of healthcare under the NHS.
As part of our 2024/25 research, we asked the survey question, “Has your experience of menopause had any impact on your financial or housing situation?” This was a new question for this year. It was added following frequent discussions at care cafes where participants discussed financial struggles due to having reduced working hours, problems sustaining rent payments and threats of homelessness.
Examples of free text feedback from survey:
“I rent and find having to move (when landlords want to sell) far far more stressful.”
“I earn less. You can’t make decisions. I’m living in a rented room rather than going out there and finding a new place to buy which will be much smaller than I previously had as less money now. Just can’t think for myself.”
“I had to quit my well-paid job; I am now freelance and on a much lower income.”
“Significant impact because I had to give up full-time work and go to part-time. I make a fraction of what I earned previously”
“Yes, due to not being able to work like I used to, I have got into debt because I was only able to work part-time and had to drop my salary.”
“Yes, it has affected my earning potential and made me financially dependent on my partner.”
Survey Feedback Summary
47% of respondents indicated that menopause had a negative impact on their financial and/or housing situation. Feedback indicated that Menopause has had a significant financial impact on many individuals, primarily due to reduced working hours, increased sick days, or the inability to continue full-time employment. Some have had to take lower-paid work, with there being a trend to freelance work due to workplace stress. Others have gone into debt or become financially dependent on partners, or have had to move in with their adult children. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and migraines have made career progression difficult, with some feeling trapped in their current roles due to diminished confidence. A few reported having to move or downsize accommodation due to reduced income. However, some reported no financial or housing impact, particularly those with supportive partners or stable employment.
How can we support this vulnerable group?
- Provide better healthcare and support during the menopause transition
- Have better support and access to specific benefits during this transition for those experiencing hardship
- Implement better safeguards and support in the workplace to ensure people are not losing jobs
- Have an in-person or online event to raise awareness of rights and support that is directed at this group – we have already been approached by AgeUK who offer some support so could maybe have a speaker from Acorn
- Create information sheets or web pages on rights and support available targetted at these groups and distributed to Brighton Women’s Centre, via Menopause and Mind, Survivors Networks and NHS surgeries
- Encourage rent payment schemes that take into account fluctuating incomes due to health-related issues could reduce stress for renters going through menopause – this could also impact positively on people suffering other health issues.
- Push for inclusion of menopause in local health and housing strategies, emphasizing the 47% reporting financial/housing impacts
- Encourage Acorn membership, so there is support when struggling with problematic renting situations and landlords, and a greater awareness within the renters rights campaigning community.
- Open to other ideas!
Contact details:
Heather McKnight – Research and Development Menopause and Mind
Menopause and Mind 
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