Emma Neville is a mum of two, a person-centred counsellor, philanthropist, and certified menopause coach.
After being diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency at 40, she turned her experience into purpose, dedicating herself to learning about menopause to support others.
She founded This is Me, a supportive online community created to help women feel less alone, raise awareness that menopause can happen at any age, and empower women to understand their bodies and advocate for their health.
We are delighted that Emma will be speaking in Manchester as part of our UK Summit. We caught up with her to find out how she’s feeling in the runup to the event.
Hi Emma, we are thrilled that you will be speaking at the Wellbeing at Work UK Summit in September. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
I’m good, thank you. I’m looking forward to the event and learning at the Summit. Every day is a school day!
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing and mental health?
One of the biggest challenges is that certain topics, like menopause, are still not being spoken about openly enough in many workplaces. While some companies are leading the way with regular meetups, support groups, and menopause policies, there are still too many environments where these conversations are being avoided or overlooked altogether.
Another key challenge is making sure these conversations include everyone. Menopause, for example, shouldn’t just be a “women’s issue.” We need men in the room, listening, learning, and contributing to the conversation
There’s still a long way to go in normalising these conversations but I’m certain we’ll get there.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that are moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
There’s a growing awareness, and importantly, a willingness to have more open and honest conversations. It’s been particularly encouraging to see younger generations leading the way, openly discussing topics like periods, mental health, and home life.
Workplaces are starting to recognise that health and wellbeing policies are no longer just a ‘nice to have.’ Whether it’s period health, fertility, or men’s mental health, there’s more understanding that employers need to be proactive. That means not being prepared as an organisation to support employees when they need it most. It’s about creating a culture where these conversations are normalised and where support is available.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
Work has a huge impact on how we feel day-to-day. When you walk into a workplace, you want to feel comfortable, valued, and understood. You want to know that your voice matters, that your wellbeing is acknowledged, and that you’re supported as a whole person, not just an employee.
When people feel seen and cared for, they’re able to be their best and perform at their best.
It’s important to me because I know how many people have struggled with menopause. I struggled when I was diagnosed with POI and early menopause at 40. I felt like I had no one to speak to, so anything I can do to make people feel better and less alone is important to me.
Are there any challenges that you are seeing for the first time and how are you addressing them?
One of the issues I’m seeing, and it’s definitely starting to be addressed, is the challenge of everybody being seen as equal. Education is key to getting the best out of your workforce, and it will also mean that people will be part of your team.
Everyone needs to be involved – education for everyone. Educating men just as much as women. If the workplace is a happy place, that only leads to every part of work.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
One key area is creating space for real, supportive conversations, especially around topics like menopause and mental health that have traditionally been overlooked in the workplace.
Having menopause groups and other support groups for different topics in the workplace is crucial. Employers need to back these groups with the right structure and policies, and make sure these initiatives are properly resourced.
It’s also crucial to involve the entire workforce. Gathering insights and feedback from employees across all levels helps shape policies that actually reflect people’s needs.
Another area that could be improved is making sure employers know menopause can happen at any time and at any age. For me, it happened when I was 40 – I didn’t expect it at all, and I felt very underprepared.
Do you feel that investment in employee wellbeing in the region is increasing or decreasing and is that a direct reflection on HR leaders’ increasing ability to demonstrate effective returns of their strategies to leadership?
Investment in employee wellbeing is definitely increasing but it’s still very dependent on the organisation, its leadership priorities, and the budget available.
I’m hearing some really exciting things, with people sharing new resources that they’ve developed for their workplace. Businesses are starting to invest in their employees, and it’s really promising. Having these spaces for people to feel like they are cared for and seen is so important.
How has This Is Me been leading the way?
This is Me is partnering with organisations and informing conversations that people are having in workplaces, to encourage more conversation around menopause.
I’m trying to encourage every age, every level of life and to talk about their own experiences.
My role as Wellness Ambassador at UA92 excites me, working in the education sector and finding out what is missing at a young age to shape the change for the next generations to thrive, not just survive.
At its core, This Is Me is about community and giving women the confidence to speak up. We’re all in this together.
Emma will be speaking in Manchester at the Wellbeing at Work Summit UK.
Our London Summit takes place on 23rd September. Visit our London webpage for further details and to book your tickets.
Our Manchester Summit takes place on 25th September. To find out more about our Manchester Summit and book your tickets please visit our Mancherster webpage.
