News

Improper Agency and Clear Channel, one of the UK’s leading Out of home media and infrastructure companies, launch ‘Educate Yourself’, a nationwide campaign raising awareness of menopause and its diverse signs and symptoms.

Menopause is a serious and life changing transition that is estimated to effect 30% of women in the UK at any one time. Research found 93% of women felt they would benefit if friends and family were more informed about menopause, 3 in 4 people believing that menopause remains a taboo subject (Gen M). The campaign aims to destigmatise menopause and increase knowledge, as with knowledge comes change.

Inclusivity is central to the campaign and Educate Yourself features a range of individuals who have diverse experiences of menopause, including Sheree Hargreaves, who experienced early onset menopause aged 15, Emma Livingstone, founder of Up – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement, Zeph Churchill, former nurse turned comedian with a menopause-focused comedy show, and Ola Fagbohun, a mid to older life women’s health practitioner, as well as several of Clear Channel employees.

The campaign explores 10 scenarios, each highlighting a different symptom of menopause through lighthearted and sometimes absurd scenarios. Lesser-known signs including cold flushes, nail changes, digestive issues, heart palpitations and burning mouth syndrome, are shown in the campaign.

Educate Yourself will be shown on Clear Channel’s out of home digital screens nationwide from 14 October in anticipation of World Menopause Day on 18 October.

The campaign has been developed in partnership with partners The Menopause Charity (charity registration number: 1191332) Black Women in Menopause and Menopause Café (charity registration number: SC048435), to drive awareness of where people can find information and support for menopause.

A website will go live alongside the campaign, educateyourself.org.uk, including information on the various signs of menopause, links to resources and stories from those featured in the campaign. You can also follow the campaign on Instagram at @educateyourselfuk and on Facebook.

“Menopause is often trivialised and brushed aside in society, or simply seen as a joke. Frequently dismissed and reduced to ‘hot flushes’ or ‘the change’, it goes hand in hand with the invisibility of older women in our society... but that’s another campaign!

The 93% of women asking for more conversation and education in this highly personal and emotional area was the catalyst of the campaign concept; educate, educate, educate! Through a playful approach, the campaign asks everyone to “Educate Yourself” as destigmatisation is long overdue. We all need to know more, because with knowledge comes change.

As someone who is going through this journey themselves, spending time and exchanging diverse stories and experiences I hope this campaign will shift perspectives on something that affects half of the UK’s population.”

Nicky Thompson, Creative Director, Improper

“Out Of Home is the perfect medium to help break the menopause taboo and at Clear Channel, we were keen to spark this long overdue conversation within the communities we serve, using our public screens nationwide.

The ‘Educate Yourself’ campaign, anchored in real stories and experiences, has also resonated with our colleagues, some of which have bravely decided to take part.

I have yet to see menopause spoken about with such tenacity, vibrancy, and realism and together with Improper, we hope this bold campaign will shift the needle on menopause education and awareness.”

Sarah Goslin, Senior Internal Communications Manager

"Menopause has been kept in the shadows for far too long, wrapped in taboo and stigma. It’s fantastic to see the conversation opening up, but we know many still feel left out. That’s why we’re thrilled to be part of this bold and inspiring national campaign!

At The Menopause Charity, we believe everyone should be able to access trustworthy information and feel seen, heard, and included—because there is no 'one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to menopause."

Jenny Haskey, The Menopause Charity

“Black Women in Menopause joined this nationwide campaign because our voices are too often sidelined, and it’s time to change that and reclaim the narrative. We’re here to challenge the status quo, raise awareness, and ensure our experiences are listened to. We loved the concept, as it amplifies our voices and brings visibility to our experiences.

Through our platform, we provide community, resources, and free events to support Black women on their menopause journey.

We hope this campaign connects us with more people who can benefit from our support. We want to rise to menopause, ensuring that past, present, and future generations aren’t left behind in understanding what they didn’t or don’t yet know (adapted from Maya Angelou).”

Nina Kuypers, Black Women In Menopause

“Menopause is debilitating for 20% of people experiencing it (BMS) but it’s not all doom and gloom, so I’m pleased to see this lighter-hearted approach to complement the serious suffering that some people go through. At Menopause Cafes I hear laughter as well as sobs, smiles as well as furrowed brows. This campaign, like the Menopause Awareness Ribbon, will help reduce the stigma, which some people sadly still experience when talking about menopause.”

Rachel Weiss, Menopause Café