As part of the Eastwood integrated neighbourhood work, a MenoWalk was held on Saturday 2 November, which was a lovely walk around the park, followed by tea/coffee in a local cafe.
The aim of the walk was to speak to local ladies to look at starting a menopause support group in North Broxtowe, which will be held in Eastwood.
Elaine Copper, Transformation Manager said: “This was a fantastic walk and hopefully the start of something that local women will find really useful. Whilst walking we got to know each other a bit and shared where we are in our journey and some of our experiences, both good and bad.
“Over coffee we started thinking about what to do on an ongoing basis. We agreed it would be good to start meeting fortnightly starting in the new year! Which everyone is looking forward to.
“Ladies are welcome to just be part of the group and enjoy any activities, but the idea was also discussed about members bringing skills or resources that the group could benefit from which would help to make the group sustainable. For example, we have a member who manages a women’s wellbeing clinic, a lady with a master’s in nutrition and someone who has access to a common room via her job. It could be anything that might be helpful to the group.”
The group plans to meet each month on a Saturday and include some physical activity element, ranging from yoga, Pilates, walking to HIIT, boxercise, tree hugging and axe throwing.
In the fortnight in between there will be a weekday evening where the group can get together to have a cuppa or a walk if the weather is kind.
Menopause is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease, including; maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, treating and controlling medical conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
The group talked about symptom triggers and some of the things that exacerbate them like food, alcohol, and flights/travel.
Although the ladies had not previously met, they decided they wanted to set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with one another and share useful information, for example on the HRT prescription payment scheme, information on supplements, arranging future sessions, and links to programmes to watch.
This group is open to women living in North Broxtowe, after receiving funds from Broxtowe Borough Council from their bursary fund. This includes residents in Eastwood, Kimberley, Giltbrook and surrounding areas.
We are looking in to getting support from other services that may be useful to group members. We spoke a lot about how ladies lose their confidence and identity and how domestic abuse and suicide rates increase. This group will aim to get ladies support, so they are not suffering alone.
The group will also provide a safe space for members and will be a chance to have confidential conversations that are not talked about outside of the group.
Another walk is planned for November 30, at 9.30am, meeting at the front of Eastwood Town Council office. Any women who feel they would benefit from this support are welcome to come along.