A Space to Talk: The Menopause Support Group

We recently hosted The Menopause Support Group, led by Kerry Tonks, Mental Health Educator and Speaker.

The session welcomed women at different stages of their journey, some arrived with questions, others with lived experiences, but all looked for more understanding and to chat to others in the same boat.

As the morning began, conversations unfolded over coffee. The room quickly settled into a relaxed and open atmosphere, where the attendees felt comfortable to speak honestly.

“There’s something powerful about a room full of women who simply come together to talk.”

Joining the group was Diane Bourne, HRT Specialist who helped guide the conversation with warmth and insight. Her approachable style encouraged discussion, creating space to ask questions and explore topics that are often overlooked or left unspoken.

And that’s where the importance of events like this becomes clear. Not just on a personal level, but within the workplace too.

Menopause will affect a significant number of women during their working lives, yet it’s still not always openly discussed in professional environments. For many, this can lead to uncertainty, a lack of support, or even stepping back from roles they once thrived in. Symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, and disrupted sleep can have a real impact, not just on wellbeing, but on confidence, and day-to-day working life.

Brain fog, for example, is something many women experience during perimenopause. Changes in hormone levels can affect memory, focus, and processing speed, often leaving women feeling frustrated or misunderstood. When combined with sleep disturbances, where the brain is unable to properly rest, reset, and clear daily “waste”, the impact can become more noticeable, affecting decision-making, concentration, and overall performance.

These aren’t small challenges, they influence work, relationships, family life, and overall health.

And the conversation doesn’t stop here.

The next Menopause Support Group will take place at West Midlands House on 1st May 2026, from 9:30am to 11:00am.

These sessions continue to bring women together to talk openly about topics that matter all in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Led by Kerry Tonks, alongside our Business Centre Manager, Jeni Sellick, sometimes joined by expert speakers, and often guided by lived experiences, each event offers a change to learn, reflect, and connect – with a few laughs along the way too.

For many, it’s about finding a place to start.

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