Hive of Activity

Sharing information and education about menopause in our local communty is an important part of our work and central to our ethos as an organisation.

We are committed to making information and support around menopause and women's health accessible to all women.  If you would like to discuss booking one of our clinicians to speak at your organisation or event, please contact info@manchestermenopausehive.co.uk.

Below are some examples of events in the community that we've taken part in.

Manchester Community Menopause Afternoon - Chorlton, Manchester.  March 2025 

Dr Rachael Chrystal organised and hosted a community menopause afternoon in Chorlton.  She invited 5 experts along to speak about how they support women experiencing menopause and share advice.  There was the opportunity for attendees to connect with other women and ask questions.  The event raised money for Afrocats and Menopause Care - and received very positive feedback.

 

Feedback from attendees:  "Massive thanks, it was an absolute pleasure to share with lovely women in a safe space"

"Thank you for a wonderful afternoon filled with mutual support and kindness"

"Thank you so much for the menopause event - it reiterated what I was aware of and more.  You're all doing brilliant work and Magdalene was just amazing"

Winning Hearts & Minds Menopause Talking Group - Harpurhey Neighbourhood Centre, November 2024

Dr Zoe Hodson was invited to lead a menopause session at Harpurhey Neighbourhood Centre, with a focus on bone health.  The group was set up by the community group Winning Hearts and Minds and offers a space for local women to talk and share about their experiences of menopause, as well as receive information from local practitioners. 

Zoe's session was very well received and lots of information and laughter was shared.

Solihull Menopause Cafe, November 2024

Dr Catherine Taylor joined the Solihill Menopause Cafe to share her vast experience with the group and offered an expert medical perspective across a huge range of menopause related topics over the evening of conversation.

Supporting local groups like these means that women are able to access high quality evidence based information that can otherwise be tricky to access, and allows women to have their questions answered in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The Whitworth Gallery, Manchester - October 2024

Dr Zoe Hodson and Dr Rachael Chrystal together at community menopause event

Dr Zoe Hodson and Dr Rachael Chrystal, along with Helen attended the World Menopause Day events at The Whitworth Gallery. On Thursday evening, Rachael spoke on a panel around creative aproaches to supporting menopause, offering a medical perspective.

On the Friday, both Zoe and Rachael answered questions around menopause and provided evidence based information around perimenopause and menopause to attendees.

The Boaz Trust, Manchester, 2024  

Dr Zoe Hodson spoke to a group of women at an event organised by The Boaz Trust,  a Manchester based charity supporting people facing homelessness after claiming asylum.

Language is often one of the many barriers to receiving information and education about menopause faced by the women who are claiming asylum in the UK.

At this event, Tsenga from The Boaz Trust translated into two languages while Zoe spoke, so that the women who attended could understand.  Zoe shared information about general health and wellbeing as well as grounding techniques and discussed navigating stress and the emotions that come with experiencing menopause whilst homeless during the asylum process.   For many of the women, it was the first time they had heard about HRT.

Afrocats, Manchester 

Zoe has supported multiple events run by Afrocats, a black and female-led Manchester based charity supporting women and girls in the community who face social exclusion in Greater Manchester.

Zoe provides supportive and evidence based information to help inform and educate the women who are supported by Afrocats, providing sessions on menopause, women's health and the role of creativity for wellbeing - as well as answering questions on these and related topics.

The Mosses Centre, Bury

Dr Zoe Hodson spoke at a community event at The Mosses Centre attended by local residents including those from the South Asian community.  The event focused on pelvic floor health and Zoe explained the changes that can occur in menopause, as well as discussing the different hormonal and non hormonal preparations available.  This is a particularly important topic in communities like this where vulval and genital health is often not spoken about or discussed.

 

 

The African and Caribbean Mental Health Network Event

Helen and Zoe were hosted by the African and Caribbean Mental Health Network for an afternoon sharing information, conversation and connection all around menopause- as well as tea and cake.

The link between mental health and menopause cannot be underestimated and yet menopause and women's health are considered taboo topics in many communities - so events like these are vital for opening up the conversation and providing much needed information.

Action Menopause, Warwickshire 

Dr Catherine Taylor is a member of the Clinical Advisory Team for Action Menopause, Warwickshire.  

She regularly attends and supports their free events which provide a space for women to share their experiences with other women in a relaxed social setting as well as receive advice for healthcare providers specialising in menopause.

Her expertise (and calming presence!) enables the women who attend to feel supported, informed and empowered to manage the impact of menopause through self care and awareness of the medical options available.

Nestac Charity, Manchester

Zoe has spoken at various events for NESTAC, a Manchester based charity supporting communities and survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM) and violence against women and girls.

Menopause is often a taboo topic in communities that experience FGM, and these women may often particularly struggle with symptoms of GSM.

Zoe's sessions have provided valuable information and support to the women who attend the NESTAC sessions.

The Pull Up Bar - The Northern Quarter, Manchester

Zoe has spoken at several menopause evenings at The Pull Up Bar, where the owner Sharon supports the local community through various events, mental health support and providing clothing for people experiencing homelessness.  

Zoe's talks here have covered a wide range of topics relating to menopause and holistic women's wellbeing but always include information about vulval and vaginal health and the treatments available to support the genitourinary symptoms of menopause

 

Lifeways Charity Menopause Support Group, Warwickshire

Dr Catherine Taylor is a regular speaker at the Lifeways Charity - Menopause Support Group in Warwickshire, where she provides evidence based information and answers questions relating to menopause, based on her many years of professional expertise as a GP and Menopause Specialist.