Just Pause opens the conversation on menopause  

A new community initiative exploring menopause support and education has got off to a wonderful start with around 60 people attending the first ‘Just Pause...’ taster session at the Old Town Hall function room.

Organised by Friends of Victoria Hall, the evening on Thursday 18th June felt less like a formal event and more like a welcoming conversation. Healthcare professionals and wellbeing specialists came together to share expert advice, answer questions and, perhaps most importantly, create a space where women felt comfortable talking openly about their experiences. 

Alongside the talks, attendees visited the MyActive Glossop information stand and enjoyed homemade cakes kindly provided by the League of Ladies WI, who added to the warm and friendly atmosphere. 

Photo: League of Ladies WI.

The initiative has been created to explore whether there is a need for a regular menopause support and information group in Glossop, with a second free taster session now planned for Saturday 11th July. 

At the heart of the project is Sonja Quirk, founder of Friends of Victoria Hall, who welcomed everyone on the night and shared the personal journey that inspired the idea. 

While recovering from surgery, Sonja found herself researching menopause and quickly became overwhelmed by what she described as "confusing and conflicting information on the internet". That experience, she explained, became the catalyst for creating a local group where women could access trusted advice and support. 

She said: “I don't want to see myself as a victim of the menopause, but more that it's another chapter that comes with some health issues. I can be educated about it and make informed choices about what is best for me. 

"I would like to be part of a group where I can access well-researched advice, peer support and be signposted to services both locally and nationally. I don't believe there is anything like this locally, so I thought I would do it myself.” 

Sonja explained that the taster sessions are about listening to the community and discovering whether people would like an ongoing group, potentially meeting on Thursdays at Victoria Hall on either a weekly or monthly basis. 

Working alongside her is Karon Mee, a yoga teacher, Pilates instructor and somatic movement practitioner who already leads wellbeing sessions at Victoria Hall. Sharing her own experience of peri-menopause, Karon spoke movingly about how lonely that stage of life can sometimes feel. 

She described how opening up to a friend made her realise she wasn't alone, and how that moment of shared honesty "had saved her". It is that same sense of connection she hopes Just Pause will now offer others. 

Karon also read a line from one of her yoga practice books that resonated with many in the room: “We should never judge how any woman experiences menopause. Each woman is just trying her best to make peace with herself.” 

She hopes the group will become a place where women can talk freely without judgement, ask questions, share experiences, have a laugh, or even a cry if needed, and build supportive friendships within the local community. 

Photo: Rebecca and Sarah from MyActive Glossop.

The evening featured four guest speakers, each bringing a different perspective on menopause and wellbeing. 

Dr Emma Ward, a GP with 19 years' experience and advanced training in menopause care, gave a clear and reassuring overview of what menopause can involve. She spoke about the physical, emotional and mental changes women may experience, highlighting more than 50 possible symptoms, as well as HRT, heart health, brain changes and bone health. She also addressed intimate health topics openly, encouraging women not to ignore symptoms or feel embarrassed about seeking help. 

Afterwards, audience members asked a wide range of questions covering supplements, skin changes and HRT side effects, reflecting the open and honest atmosphere created throughout the evening. 

Sister Pamela Astley from Manor House Surgery followed, drawing on her 25 years of nursing experience. She spoke about how difficult it can sometimes be for women to access the right services and why groups like Just Pause are so valuable in providing reliable information. She also shared practical advice on lifestyle changes that can help ease menopause symptoms, including discussions around intimate health that are often overlooked. 

Registered nutritional therapist Raquel Monroy then explored the important role nutrition can play during menopause. She highlighted the benefits of increasing protein intake, ensuring enough fibre, Omega 3 and vitamin D, and discussed supplements such as magnesium, which may help improve sleep. 

The final speaker, personal trainer Rebecca Lalley from MyActive Glossop, spoke passionately about strength, movement and long-term health. Going through menopause herself, she understands how difficult it can be to stay motivated when energy and confidence dip. 

Her message was simple but powerful: “Be as healthy as possible for as long as possible.” 

Rebecca encouraged women to build strength and mobility in ways that support everyday life and future wellbeing, reminding everyone that MyActive Glossop offers personalised gym programmes and guidance for all levels of fitness. She reassured attendees that no one needs to start from a "perfect" place and encouraged anyone who was unsure to simply come in and have a chat. 

Feedback from the evening was overwhelmingly positive. 

Karen said: “It’s been really informative and has made me feel quite empowered. It’s nice to hear a roomful of women expressing their thoughts and it’s made me feel that I’m not on my own.” 

Another attendee added: “It’s been so interesting - the time has flown! There is definitely a need for a group like this.” 

Others spoke about how refreshing it was to have healthcare, nutrition and fitness professionals together in one place, offering joined-up advice, while many commented on how encouraging it was to see so many women attending. 

One attendee said: “How wonderful to have something like this in Glossop. A place where we can ask questions and find out about the experiences of other women going through the same thing. Thanks to Friends of Victoria Hall for organising this and I really hope it continues.” 

Following such a positive response, attention now turns to the second free taster session, taking place on Saturday 11th July from 10.30am until 12.30pm at the Old Town Hall function room above the Market Hall. 

As well as another opportunity to hear expert advice and meet other local women, the second session will feature local poet and author Johanne Lee, whose humorous and heartfelt writing is inspired by her own menopause journey. 

Sonja said: "Johanne will be joining the second session to introduce us to her characters Meryl Pause and her friends. Johanne's poems are poignant, amusing and very relatable." 

If the first evening is anything to go by, Just Pause is already doing exactly what its name suggests - creating a space where women can pause, talk, learn and discover they are far from alone.