As part of Menopause Awareness Month, we're celebrating colleagues whose experiences highlight the importance of perseverance, support and believing in yourself.
For Resident Involvement Co-ordinator Ally Hood, the last eight years at PCH have been about supporting residents while navigating the challenges menopause can bring. Through periods of brain fog, self-doubt and loss of confidence, Ally stayed focused on what mattered most to her, ensuring residents' voices are heard and helping drive positive change.
Ally joined PCH in 2018 as a Receptionist on a maternity cover contract. Before joining the organisation, she worked in a Children's Centre while studying for a Youth and Community degree at Marjon University as a mature student, before moving into a health and social care feedback service role.
As a solo parent renting privately at the time, finding a secure role was important.
"I'd heard really good things about PCH as an employer and saw the Reception role as a good career opportunity. I wanted stability and security, but also the chance to work somewhere that genuinely made a difference."
Working on reception gave Ally valuable insight into the lives of residents and the challenges they face.
"It was such a valuable experience. You meet residents every day and get to understand some of the challenges they're facing. That exposure confirmed that supporting residents was what I wanted to do."
It was during her early years at PCH that Ally began experiencing symptoms she would later recognise as menopause.
"Looking back, that was when my menopause journey was beginning. Brain fog was probably the biggest challenge, alongside forgetfulness, poor sleep and a lack of confidence."
Over the following years, Ally continued building her career and applying for resident-focused opportunities across the organisation. While some applications were successful and others weren't, each one helped her grow and develop.
One of the first roles she applied for was Resident Involvement Co-ordinator, a position she was unsuccessful in securing at the time. She would go on to apply for several other roles before eventually landing her dream position.
"I wasn't always successful, and there were different reasons for that. But I do think menopause affected my confidence during that period. I knew my job; I knew what I was passionate about and I could usually secure an interview. Sometimes, though, the self-doubt and brain fog made it harder to show that confidence in the interview itself."
Rather than allowing setbacks to discourage her, Ally focused on learning, developing her skills and gaining experience supporting residents in different roles across the organisation.
"I've always wanted to stay resident-focused. Whatever role I've been in, that's been my motivation."
Her perseverance eventually paid off. In January 2026, Ally joined the Resident Engagement Team as a Resident Involvement Co-ordinator, securing the role she had first applied for years earlier.
In fact, it was third time lucky.
"By the time the opportunity came up for the third time, I nearly didn't apply. I'm so glad I did. Looking back now, I'm proud that I kept going because perseverance really did pay off."
Today, Ally's role allows her to combine her experience, strengths and passion for resident engagement.
"I love that residents have a voice and that we're genuinely committed to listening and acting on their feedback. What really matters to me is making sure people feel heard and that their involvement is meaningful, leading to real change."
While Ally has continued to progress in her career, she is open about the impact menopause can have.
"Menopause brings confusion, self-doubt and has a real impact on confidence. Sometimes things can take longer to process, and the brain fog makes you second guess yourself."
She hopes that by sharing her story, others experiencing menopause will feel encouraged to seek support and know they are not alone.
Today, Ally remains focused on making a difference for residents and championing resident voice at every opportunity.
"I just want to do my job well and support residents."
Despite being featured as a Homegrown Hero, Ally remains modest about her achievements.
"I don't really consider myself a hero. But I do think I've persevered. There have been challenges along the way, but at the heart of everything I've done has been a genuine desire to support residents."
As we mark Menopause Awareness Month, Ally's story highlights that menopause can affect people in different ways and that its impact is not always visible. It also demonstrates the value of perseverance, seeking support and continuing to believe in yourself, even when self-doubt creeps in.
Thank you, Ally, for sharing your story and for everything you do to support residents across PCH.
If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause or perimenopause, support is available. Visit the Menopause page on the NHS website for information.
