World Menopause Day is just a fortnight away - and so is Macclesfield's first Menopause Café.

A Menopause Café, aimed at breaking down the taboo around menopause, increasing awareness of the impact of the menopause on those experiencing it, their family, friends and their colleagues, and reflecting on the 'third stage of life', will be held in Macclesfield, Cheshire on World Menopause Day on October 18!

Open to people of all genders and all ages, the Macclesfield Menopause Café will be held between 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm on Monday, 18th October 2021.

It will be located in the upstairs room of The Shamrock Bar, 96 Mill Street, Macclesfield SK11 6NR.

Following the World's first Menopause Café, held in Perth, Scotland in 2017, a number of Menopause Cafes have been organised throughout the UK, including in some workplaces. The world's first Menopause Festival was also held in Perth during Spring 2018, as was the first Menopause Café out of the UK, taking place in Toronto.

The next Menopause Festival will be held in June 2022 which will feature speakers, films, comedians and creative workshops.

Rachel Weiss of Rowan Consultancy, who founded Menopause Café commented, "The Menopause Café is aimed at women and men of all ages who would like to come along and 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 on 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."

The Macclesfield Menopause Cafe event is being organised by Lisa Moss and Elissa Dobson, both local women who are passionate about removing the stigma around menopause and creating a safe space for everyone.

Lisa Moss, Mental Health peer-support group founder and facilitator of Hope Group Cheshire, attempted to battle through menopause as naturally as possible for three years, following failed attempts at HRT.

Feeling miserable whilst commencing a new role in local authority, the brain fog, fatigue and anxiety were too much to bear.

Lisa connected with Claire Shepherd at Pausitivity and Your New Life Plan and decided to setup a closed Facebook support group for local menopausal women.

Following her personal epiphany that she no longer wanted to be invisible; with specialist support she successfully started HRT and was delighted when her husband announced that "the old Lisa was back!". It's all about knowing your options!

Lisa stated "The Menopause Café Macclesfield, UK is an opportunity to talk freely and change the way we see this natural transition."

Click here to read more upcoming Macclesfield Events on our What's On section.

Elissa Dobson who is a local Menopause and Leadership Coach, said, "There is very little education or open discussion about Menopause in the UK, but for millions of women it will happen, with symptoms potentially lasting for up to 10 years.

"With dozens of unique combinations of symptoms, many women experience unexpected impacts on their mind, body and spirit. This potentially has a knock-on effect with their relationships both at home and at work.

"The Menopause Café is an opportunity for us to open up the conversation and remind others that they are not alone."

Spaces are free, however booking is recommended by clicking this Eventbrite link.

Kirsty Wark, patron of the Menopause Café Charity, says "I am delighted to have been asked 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".

As well as happening in our town, the event will be global. Please visit this website. Or click this Facebook page.

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