Holland & Barrett launches speakHER initiative to help women feel heard and supported

Holland & Barrett has launched a new women’s health initiative designed to help more women feel heard, understood and confident about where to turn for trusted health and wellness support. 

New research commissioned by Holland & Barrett among 2,000 UK women found that one in three (32%) have felt unheard by friends, family or medical professionals when it comes to their health. More than a quarter (26%) have had symptoms attributed to stress or the pressures of a busy lifestyle by family, friends or colleagues, while 23% said this had happened with a healthcare professional. 

Almost six in ten (59%) also said that, beyond visiting their GP, they do not know where to turn for trusted advice about managing symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems or hormonal changes. 

To bring these experiences into the open, Holland & Barrett unveiled speakHER, an interactive installation in central London sharing real stories from women who have struggled to have their health concerns heard or understood. 

Holland & Barrett has more than 600 trained Women’s Health Coaches across its stores and offers up to 300,000 free 15-minute Wellness Check-Ins every month, helping make trusted health and wellness support more accessible. 

Lina Chan, Director of Missions at Holland & Barrett, said: 

“Our mission is to replace guesswork with confidence when it comes to personal health. Yet persistent symptoms are still too often written off as ordinary burnout or everyday pressure. 

“Through speakHER, we’re encouraging women to listen to their bodies, talk openly about what they’re experiencing and seek the support they deserve.” 

The initiative reflects Holland & Barrett’s ambition to make health and wellness more accessible, connecting science-led products, personalised services and trained colleagues to help people take proactive steps to support their health and wellbeing.