THE Menopause Café, Basingstoke, launched tentatively in November last year by a local resident, is picking up a notch for spring and offering nutrition talks, park walks and other special events as summer approaches.

The café, which aims to break down the stigma associated with menopause and offer a safe, inclusive space to increase awareness and have discussions about this life phase that all of us experience in one way or another, has gone from strength to strength over the past few months.

Facilitator of the group, and local artist and resident, Carli Adby-Notley decided after her own early menopause diagnosis that she would start a #menopausecafe after struggling to find local support or ways to connect with others.

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She said: “One of the biggest barriers I found and continue to find, is accessible, real-life experiences that are shared without judgement or an agenda and as I did more and more of my own research, I realised I needed to connect with others. This is where the menopause café charity comes in.”

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, Austria and India. The Basingstoke menopause café began with the help of the charity and Carli says she is “overwhelmed and excited” about the amount of support and interest it has received.

She continued: “Honestly, the launch event was incredible and since then I have been lucky enough to meet some brave and wonderful people and be supported by some great local businesses. I am keen to continue to invite anyone along that wants to talk about the menopause, share their story, ask a question or simply come along and feel the encouragement of others in a safe, uplifting environment.”

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The menopause café is currently running twice a month with a morning coffee event and then an evening event for those who may not be able to make it during the day.

The events offer an inclusive space in the town centre and, Carli has high ambitions for the group with a nutrition talk in the diary and picnics, walks and informative workshops all in the pipeline.

“Posters are already in a few local shops, beauticians and café’s and the hospital has taken interest, but I would love to spread the news to as many residents as possible.”

More information on the charity can be found at menopausecafe.net and for events updates and to learn more about the café in Basingstoke, visit the dedicated Eventbrite shorturl.at/cvwIW or search The Menopause Café Basingstoke.

It can also be found on Facebook or by emailing menopausecafebasingstoke@gmail.com.