Women in Channel Islands Report Insufficient Menopause Support
Women in the Channel Islands experiencing severe menopause symptoms have expressed concerns about the lack of adequate support available to them.
Dani Barnett from Guernsey shared her experience of feeling isolated during her menopause, stating she "didn't have anyone to talk to" at a time when she "didn't know what was going on in her own body."
In Jersey, Trudi Roscouet criticized the government's approach, saying,
"Women's health is not a priority for government."
The States of Jersey responded by affirming its commitment to enhancing services and support for women, while the States of Guernsey has been contacted for comment.
Dani Barnett’s Experience with Surgical Menopause
In October 2021, at age 40, Barnett described the sudden onset of surgical menopause after having her ovaries removed as a "complete shock."
"I had anxiety and overwhelm, my stress levels were through the roof. I was having anger fits that I had no idea why,"she recalled.
Originally from Canada and residing in Guernsey for 20 years, Barnett detailed her struggles with brain fog.
"The brain fog was extreme. I could carry a meeting without any problems, but then I'd be sat there, not knowing what the name of something was that I've known for years, then you're embarrassed, then the hot flushes come and the anxiety and overwhelm and it was just all too much.
There were days I cried because I couldn't find my slippers."
She described her symptoms as extreme and expressed frustration at the lack of understanding from healthcare providers.
"Every time I went back to the doctor they said, 'your levels are fine, you're fine.'
But I would sit there in tears and think 'I'm not fine' and I didn't know why."
In September 2025, Barnett launched a business in Guernsey aimed at supporting women going through menopause, motivated by her own experiences.
She emphasized the importance of education to reduce fear surrounding menopause.
"They fear the unknown. So, the more that we educate, the more that we talk about it, women aren't going to fear it."
Barnett described herself as outspoken and caring, highlighting the need for support for women uncertain about changes in their bodies.
"It's a support for women who maybe don't know what's going on with their bodies."
She also criticized the number of women leaving their jobs due to menopausal symptoms and insufficient support as "outrageous."
According to the British Menopause Society, 45% of women reported that menopause symptoms negatively impacted their work.
Trudi Roscouet’s Advocacy in Jersey
In Jersey, Trudi Roscouet also established a business to raise awareness of women's health and provide support after experiencing menopause at age 51.
"Whether it's our children, partners, bosses, it can affect everybody and everything,"she said.
Roscouet called for increased workplace support, noting that brain fog, anxiety, and insomnia are the top symptoms affecting women at work.
"The big thing we need to do is keep educating the corporates to support female employees in the workplace - and not just once in a lifetime,"she added.
Under the UK Employment Rights Act 2025, employers with more than 250 employees will be required to create and implement menopause action plans to support women in the workplace and help retain them in employment.
Voluntary reporting on these plans is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with mandatory compliance by early 2027.
The plans must include evidence-based measures such as flexible working arrangements, temperature control, and manager training to reduce workplace barriers.
In May 2022, Jersey's government committed to becoming a menopause-friendly workplace by signing the 51 Employer Pledge.
The 14-point pledge states that menopause should be treated with the same seriousness, care, and support as other physical and mental health conditions, advocating for individualized approaches and staff support.
Roscouet expressed skepticism about government commitment.
"I just don't think the government are listening about women's health anymore.
Menopause they believe has been dealt with. Women's health is not a priority for them."
Government Response and Services
Deputy Andy Howell, Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services in Jersey responsible for Women's Health, responded to the concerns.
"We are committed to strengthening services and support for women."
Howell highlighted dedicated clinics at Rayner Outpatients and group sessions at the Listening Lounge, which focus on coping strategies for menopause.
She also noted the government's plans to develop a Women's Health Strategy and to publish a Women's Health Resource web page later in the year.
"We are building a stronger foundation for women's health and as we move through 2026, our focus remains on delivering safe, supportive, and accessible services that meet the needs of women at every stage of life,"Howell added.
The States of Guernsey has been approached for comment.
Menopause Support in Guernsey
At the Healthcare Group in St Martin's, Guernsey, a weekly menopause clinic is led by Dr Lucy Joslin, one of the island's leading experts.
"I think we have some very good [treatment] options, and we can usually find something that will suit everyone in amongst all of those options,"Dr Joslin said.
She also recommended other support resources such as Guernsey Mind, the Menopause Discussion Group, and the British Menopause Society.
Additional Resources
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this story, you can visit BBC Action Line for support.
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