HH combined Feb 25 JW - Flipbook - Page 40
Hayling Herald Feature
Island’s first
Menopause Café
Menopause Café host Sarah Thomas
ISLANDERS going through the menopause are invited to join a group
which will help support them during what can be a challenging period
in their lives.
The Menopause Café is aimed at breaking down the stigma around
menopause and increasing awareness of the impact of the menopause on
those experiencing it, their family, friends and their colleagues.
The first event will be held at Langstone Quays Resort, Northney Road on
Wednesday, March 5th from 6pm-7pm.
The discussion group is open to all ages and genders. There are no talks,
no experts, and topics are chosen by participants.
The Menopause Café movement started in Perth, Scotland, in 2017 and
has spread worldwide, with volunteers now hosting pop-up events in the
UK, Bahrain, Mexico, USA, Canada, Austria and Australia.
The Hayling Island Menopause Café event is being organised by Sarah
Thomas. She said: ‘I am super excited to be hosting our first menopause
cafe charity group on Hayling Island because it is such a meaningful way to
raise awareness and provide a relaxed space for people experiencing menopause to chat and build connections with others.
‘It’s a great opportunity to share valuable information and make new
friends which is what really matters. No one seemed to be openly talking
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about the topic when I started my early menopause over 20 years ago and
I felt quite alone so I am really wanting to make sure no one else feels like
I did and that we have somewhere regular on Hayling Island to come and
feel connected and the café is a great start.’
The charity has also held Menopause Festivals, #FlushFest – the last one
was held in Edinburgh and online in September 2023.
Rachel Weiss, founder of the Menopause Café charity, said: ‘The Menopause Café is for everyone who wants to talk about the menopause, to share
their stories, experiences and questions – all made that little bit easier with
tea and cake.
‘Unfortunately, many people feel that they should just ‘get on with’ the
menopause, with some never talking to their friends or family about it.
People can come along and just listen, or join in the discussions, hopefully
leaving with a clearer sense of the impact of the menopause on those who
are experiencing it, alongside their families, friends and colleagues.’
Kirsty Wark, patron of the Menopause Café Charity, said: ‘I am delighted
to be a patron of this charity which is dedicated to get everyone talking
about the menopause. This is the way to a healthier, happier future.’
Booking is recommended. For more information, please see the Events
tab on menopausecafe.net
