Specialist Team Advises On New Menopause App Which Could Help Millions Worldwide

A team of specialist female lawyers at Irwin Mitchell in Manchester are today (4 December) marking the first 100 years of women in the legal profession by announcing their role in a ground-breaking project which is similarly led by top female figures.

On Wednesday, together with ‘Women in the Law’, Irwin Mitchell is hosting a networking event at their offices at St Peters Square to celebrate 100 years since the passing of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 which enabled women to become lawyers in the UK for the first time.

This momentous occasion also coincides with members of Irwin Mitchell’s specialist creative industries and digital team advising on a uniquely female health tech project which seeks to address the high profile issue of menopause and help those suffering from the effects of the same.

balance – is a dynamic, jargon-busting, evidence based mobile app which will help women to monitor perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, access evidence-based information and expert advice and provide help to cope with and tackle the transition through menopause. 

Irwin Mitchell’s creative industries practice is providing IP, commercial and corporate advice to balance.

Laura Harper, an IP and media specialist and partner in the commercial team of leading UK law firm Irwin Mitchell commented:

Expert Opinion

“It is a privilege to host this event and mark the first 100 years of women in the law. The playing field is levelling thanks to the actions of women and men over the past century. There is still much to do but people of all genders are helping to create parity and diversity across the board.” Laura Harper - Partner

Laura also leads an expert team of female lawyers with specialist skills in the creative industries and digital sector: 

Expert Opinion

“The team here come from a diverse professional background having worked in industries including digital publishing, music, arts and culture before entering the profession. Bringing together and supporting a diverse workforce by definition brings together a broad range of experience and skills which we use to support our clients.” Laura Harper - Partner

Commenting on the launch of the new menopause app, Laura said:

Expert Opinion

“More than ever before businesses and industry have women in senior positions and inevitably, that means that women in those senior roles, along with their teams and families, are dealing with adverse health conditions brought about by the menopause.

“Menopause is not just a wellbeing issue, it’s an issue which affects almost every business and their bottom line. The incredible team at balance are seeking to address this hitherto unmet need for accessible support and in doing so will be able to improve both the well-being of women and their families and ultimately help address the related wellbeing and economic issues caused by the symptoms of menopause.”
Laura Harper - Partner

The team behind balance is led by Dr Louise Newson, a GP and leading UK specialist on the menopause and perimenopause, a resident specialist on television and in the media, she regularly provides keynote speeches to industry on the subject, Dr Louise is the CEO of Newson Health Ltd and also the not-for-profit organisation Newson Health Research and Education; and Jane Oglesby, trustee of the Oglesby Charitable Trust, a charity established to enhance the wellbeing of people in the North West by supporting meaningful activities which provide a positive impact.  The balance app has been designed by an all-female team at leading digital design agency magneticNorth Limited.

Dr Louise said: ”I am constantly shocked and saddened about how many women are needlessly suffering with their perimenopause and menopause globally. There are many myths about the menopause and also about HRT which need to be dispelled. Women need to be empowered with the right information so their menopause can be a positive experience for them. The time after the menopause when we have low hormone levels often lasts for decades so we need to ensure we are given the right help and support. Our new app, balance, is really going be able to help thousands, or even millions of women worldwide so we are so excited.” 

Laura Harper added, “We are delighted to be supporting such a strong team on this important project. To play a small part in realising balance is an absolute pleasure.”

Find out more about balance