From Jayne Clayton MCMA
Last week, I received something completely unexpected: a personal letter from Queen Camilla, acknowledging the work I’m doing to support women going through menopause and midlife transitions. I had written to her myself — wanting to share the purpose behind my work — but never in a million years did I expect a reply. When the letter arrived, it was both deeply moving and powerfully affirming.
My name is Jayne Clayton, and I’m the founder of Menopause Well, a six-week programme designed to support women emotionally, physically, and practically as they navigate the many changes that come with menopause. The programme combines guided reflection, education, self-care strategies, and peer connection — helping women reconnect with themselves and reclaim a sense of joy and wellbeing that is so often lost in the overwhelm of midlife.
When I wrote to Queen Camilla, it was because I knew she had shown interest in women’s health and I felt she might appreciate hearing what I was doing — not just to support individual women, but to open up the wider conversation around menopause. I also shared that I’m a proud member of the Complementary Medical Association, because the ethos of the CMA aligns so strongly with my belief in holistic, person-centred care.
To my amazement, I received a heartfelt letter in return from Buckingham Palace. Written by Mrs. Belinda Kim, L.V.O., Deputy Private Secretary to Her Majesty the Queen, it read:
“Her Majesty the Queen has asked me to thank you for your kind letter of 26th June about the outstanding work of ‘Menopause Well’. You are clearly making a huge difference to the lives of women across the country, and Her Majesty hopes that you are proud of everything that you have achieved.”
That response meant more than I can say. It confirmed that menopause — and the wellbeing of women in midlife — is finally being recognised as an area worthy of compassion, support, and visibility. And for someone in a role like hers to take the time to respond personally, it gave me a renewed sense of purpose in continuing this work.
As someone working directly with women — listening to their stories, frustrations, and hopes — I can say with certainty that the demand for holistic menopause support is only growing. Many women are navigating not only physical symptoms like sleep issues, fatigue, and brain fog, but also a deep sense of invisibility, loss of identity, or emotional overwhelm. Too often, they feel left out of mainstream care pathways, or expected to “just get on with it.”
That’s why I created Menopause Well — to offer something gentle but powerful, rooted in both compassion and practical tools. The six-week programme includes reflective journaling, education about what’s happening in the body, lifestyle strategies, and community connection. I’ve also been offering “taster” sessions and have already seen how transformative even a short amount of focused support can be for women who’ve spent years putting their own needs last.
I recently delivered a taster session for staff at Huddersfield University, and I’m currently in conversation with MBDA, Honley High School, Leeds United Football Club and Manchester University about bringing Menopause Well into their organisations. The response has been really heartening, and I’m in the process of preparing a full launch this year.
Receiving Queen Camilla’s letter has been a beautiful milestone along the way — not just for me personally, but for everyone working in this space. It signals a shift in how menopause is viewed, and I hope it helps raise awareness of the vital work being done across the complementary health sector.
I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the CMA and to have this opportunity to share my story with fellow members. It’s encouraging to know that, together, we are creating space for more holistic, human-centred approaches to thrive — and I’m excited about what lies ahead.
Warm wishes,
Jayne Clayton
Founder, Menopause Well