This Challenge seeks to empower women to access the right support for their needs, by helping them to understand and identify the best options for individualised support; understand which self-help measures may be useful and to manage symptoms in the workplace; and to access medical support.
Key information for applicants
Please note: you must apply for this Challenge via Public Contracts Scotland
Launch date
27 June 2023
Closing date
Midday, 22 August 2023
Exploration Stage interviews
Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 September 2023
Exploration Stage
23 October to 10 November 2023
Accelerator interviews
Wednesday 15 November 2023
Accelerator Stage
11 December 2023 to 26 April 2024
Maximum contract value
£1,300,000
Challenge summary
Over 50% of Scotland’s Population will experience the menopause and while a minority may not experience any symptoms, many more will find that it impacts their lives and a significant proportion will experience severe and negative impacts affecting their personal and professional lives. This Challenge seeks to empower women to access the right support for their needs, by helping them to understand and identify the best options for individualised support; understand which self-help measures may be useful and to manage symptoms in the workplace; and to access medical support.
With rising awareness, expectations have changed: in the past menopause was just something to struggle through, now there is a recognition that clinical management or other types of support is needed in many cases. However due to historic stigma driving limited engagement, NHS menopause services have not been developed at a level that meets the needs of the population. The consequence is that too many women cannot access the type of menopause care of support they need, when they need it. The impacts for women are varied; from their relationships and careers; to the long-term medical implications of delayed treatment and/or support can have a significant negative impact on quality of life, relationships and careers from short term menopausal symptoms, like hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, anxiety, etc., but can also have a negative impact on longer term health from increased risks of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Young women experiencing premature ovarian insufficiency, may also have an increased risks of Alzheimers dementia.
There are 3 sections to the challenge which are summarised here and then set out in more detail below, respondents are not required to address all three components;
