Menopause café Cheshire roll-out programme goes ahead

Local charity Motherwell Cheshire CIO has launched menopause cafés in six areas, including Northwich, Winsford and Holmes Chapel, in partnership with Everybody Leisure, Brio Leisure, Health Box and Body Positive.

There is no pre-set agenda, and the topics for discussion are chosen by the participants on the day.

Kate Blakemore, CEO of Motherwell Cheshire, said: “Our aim is to facilitate as many people as possible talking about the menopause.

“There are a lot of people who don’t realise why they feel the way they feel. It's trying to make women aware and help them provide a support network.

“I would like to thank our partner organisations who are helping to bring these relaxed menopause cafés to the heart of our local communities, and to our local GPs in Cheshire who are showing their support in helping us shape the groups.

“We encourage everyone to come along and join the conversation.”

Motherwell Cheshire aims to provides women and girls with access to support, education and advocacy to help them meet the challenges in their lives, and to fulfil their potential.

Menopause Cafe Cheshire venues (Motherwell Cheshire CIO) (Image: Motherwell Cheshire CIO)

Debbie Sharred, wellbeing coordinator at Motherwell Cheshire, said: “Menopause cafés are an opportunity for people to come together to discuss anything from sleeping, sex, and their partners, to exercise, brain fog, and improving diets.

“People can talk about whatever they want. For you to hear someone say, ‘I felt like that’, means you don’t feel like you are on your own. 

“It is important to stress that the groups also extend a hand to men wanting to know how to deal with their partner’s symptoms and to support them through their ‘adventure’.” 

As well as the cafés, Motherwell Cheshire has also introduced Menopause Parties, held four time each year, the first of of which was recently held at Tom Taps in Crewe.