A series of Menopause Peer Support Groups hosted by Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) are proving to be very popular, with 14 women joining in one session alone.
Groups take place at Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre, Chilton Town Council and Shildon Football Club.
They provide a safe space for women at any stage of menopause to come together, share experiences and coping strategies.
The groups also welcome partners, understanding that the effects of menopause can be far reaching.
Attendees at the Chilton group range from 41 to 81 years of age, with positive feedback from all attending.
Teagan, aged 41 said: “When I saw the group advertised, I breathed a sigh of relief that I would be able to meet with like-minded people and on my doorstep too! Being perimenopausal and only 41, I was worried I wouldn’t be listened too.
“I was wrong, all the help I’ve had has been super positive and I’m hoping this is a move in the right direction for women in the future.
“Thank you, Jules, and everyone at the Chilton group.”
Pam, aged 81 said: “I’m impressed by the ways you are all supporting each other – keep up the good work.”
The different stages of menopause affect a wide age range of women and the symptoms can be both mental and physical including: changes to mood, like low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem, problems with memory or concentration (brain fog), muscle aches and joint pains and changes to body shape and weight gain.
WBFL Facilitator Jules Howe, set the groups up and said: “They are about sharing lived experiences of all stages of menopause and about not feeling alone – sharing is caring.”
The inspiration came from Jule’s own personal experience. She said: “I was perimenopausal myself and realised that there was no face-to-face support within our local community.
“I joked about setting something up for friends so we could chat about our menopause experience – it was something we all needed.
“WBFL gave me the green light to set up the first group – I was over the moon.
“We now host three and they are thriving! This support is very much needed and I’m so happy to be able to join them and see the difference it’s making!”
According to a survey conducted by the British Menopause Society women suffered on average seven different symptoms of menopause, and 42% said their symptoms were worse or much worse than expected. 50% said their home lives had been impacted and more than a third said their work life had been impacted.
Lindsey Wood, Wellbeing for Life Manager said: “Wellbeing for Life works to reduce health inequalities in the local communities of County Durham.
“The importance of supporting women’s wellbeing and that of their partners, friends, and colleagues during menopause, cannot be underestimated. Not only do WBFL host these popular menopause peer-support-groups, but our Training Team also provide ‘An Insight into Menopause’ sessions which give an overview of the menopause, the signs and symptoms and tips for treatment.”
Jules’ drive to support women experiencing the menopause hasn’t stopped at the local groups, it is hoped to build on this success and set up similar ones across County Durham where there is a need.
She has also spoken to Durham Hospital Radio and hosted a Menopause Café at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
For more information about the menopause peer support groups and the ‘Insight into Menopause’ training sessions, visit wellbeingforlife.net call 0800 8766 887 or email at [email protected]