BASINGSTOKE'S first menopause cafe is getting ready to launch this month.

With an aim to increase awareness and provide a safe space for discussion. The cafe is for all of those who experience menopause including friends, family and colleagues and, is an inclusive discussion group open to all ages and genders.

The event is organised by Basingstoke artist and resident Carli Aby-Notley.

She said she decided to organise the Menopause Cafe after struggling to find support or connect with others going through the menopause when she started her journey at the age of 37.

READ MORE: What are the signs you are going through the menopause?

“I already have PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) so many of the symptoms were assumed to be associated with either that or long Covid,” Carli said.

“Despite an ongoing battle with brain fog, overwhelming fatigue and various other indicators of menopause it took a while to have my suspicions verified and be believed. Likely due to my age.

“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 cafe charity comes in.”

The menopause cafe 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 charity also organises an annual Menopause Festival #flushfest which was held earlier this year in Edinburgh.

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The Basingstoke branch is opening with the help of the Menopause Cafe charity and will be run monthly.

“I sincerely believe that coming together like this, to participate, meet and talk, can be powerful and empowering. I really hope that others may find it a supportive and enjoyable place to be when and as they wish to come along. I’m really excited for the launch,” Carli said.

The event will launch at 6pm on Wednedsay, November 22, at 13 Frances Road. Booking is essential.

To learn more head to the Eventbrite event rb.gy/c3ni3. The event can also be found on Facebook. 

For more information about the charity, visit menopausecafe.net.