When we first began developing Midlife Matters, we knew there was a need for better support, information and connection for women experiencing peri-menopause and menopause symptoms. What we couldn’t have predicted was just how powerful the experience would be, not only for the women taking part, but for those of us delivering it too.
Over the past 12 weeks, sixteen incredible women joined us for the pilot of Midlife Matters, a programme designed and delivered by myself, alongside Project Officer Kerry Smith and Support Worker Kylie Bruce.
Together, we created a space where women could learn, share experiences, ask questions, build confidence and, most importantly, realise they were not alone.
From understanding the physical and emotional changes that come with menopause, to exploring nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management and self-advocacy, each week brought new conversations, new learning and new opportunities for connection.
What made Midlife Matters so special wasn’t just the information we shared, it was the women themselves. Every participant arrived with their own experiences, challenges and stories, and together they created a supportive, honest and empowering community.
The feedback we have received has been incredibly moving.
“From the bottom of my heart I cannot thank Gemma, Kylie & Kerry enough, firstly, for enabling me to be part of this amazing group, it’s been life changing! Secondly, for the abundance of REAL information, advice & support. You weren’t just practitioners standing in front of a PowerPoint preaching to us, you were knowledge and understanding all whilst sharing your own experiences. Thank you.”
Carolann
Another participant shared:
“Thank you Gemma, Kerry and Kylie. You have put together an amazing programme for us peri and menopausal women but also made it fun along the way.”
And another reflected:
“I wasn’t sure how this programme was going to help me but I’m so glad that I was able to take part. Thank you for providing it and I really hope many more women benefit from the programme in the future.”
Reading feedback like this reminds us exactly why programmes like Midlife Matters are so important.
Not only has this had a huge impact on the participants, it has changed me too..
On a personal level, it has been an absolute honour to lead this programme. Supporting and empowering women is a privilege that I never take for granted. Whilst our aim was to provide knowledge and support to participants, I have learned so much myself throughout this journey.
From the training and planning stages through to spending twelve weeks alongside an amazing group of women, each experiencing menopause in their own unique way, my understanding has grown enormously. The experience has been humbling, inspiring and incredibly rewarding. It has left me with a real sense of pride and achievement not only in what we delivered, but in the courage, openness and support shown by every woman who took part.
Midlife Matters was never intended to be solely about education. We wanted it to be informative, practical and enjoyable. Alongside weekly discussions and workshops, participants took part in activities including yoga, pilates, sound baths, crystal healing, walking football, boxing and much more.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity and support of some incredible women and businesses from our local community who gave their time, expertise and energy to support the programme. Their willingness to invest in the wellbeing of local women has been truly inspiring and demonstrates just how much our community cares about supporting women through every stage of life.
As one chapter closes, another begins.
We are delighted to announce that thanks to the generous sponsorship of Baker Hughes and NatEase Sports Therapy, Midlife Matters will return for a second cohort beginning on Monday 17th August.
This support means we can continue providing a safe, welcoming and empowering space for women navigating menopause, helping more women access the information, support and connection they deserve.
As we begin planning the next programme, we are excited to build on everything we learned during our pilot and continue developing a programme that is shaped by the women who attend it.
I cannot wait to meet our next group of ladies, hear their stories, watch their confidence grow, and see the friendships and connections that inevitably form over the course of twelve weeks.
To every woman who took part in our first Midlife Matters programme: thank you. Thank you for trusting us, supporting one another, sharing your experiences and helping us create something truly special.
And to everyone who has supported the programme along the way, our guest facilitators, community partners, sponsors and supporters: thank you for believing in the importance of this work.
Here’s to the next chapter of Midlife Matters.
Gemma Cruickshank
Operations Lead
