Salford women offered support for ‘myriad symptoms’

Salford women are being urged not to ‘suffer in silence’ through the menopause by attending a free support sessions. 

Women’s wellbeing activities are set to take place at a Salford library as part of Menopause Awareness Month.

Salford Community Leisure (SCL) is hosting a Menopause Wellbeing Walk and Menopause Cafe to offer people a space to discuss their experiences with other like-minded people.

Claire Gorton, a Library Development Officer for Salford libraries, said it is beneficial for people to be able to come together to discuss their symptoms, especially in a safe community space such as a library.

“It’s important because people are suffering on their own, thinking what’s happening to me, why do I feel like this, because there are myriad symptoms you can experience without really knowing,” she said.

“It’s to make people aware that it isn’t just hot flushes. There are so many small unknown symptoms that people don’t realise.”

This is the first year SCL has hosted events to offer support during Menopause Awareness Month, with a range of events happening alongside the wellbeing walk.

These include webinars hosted by various experts and a menopause vision board workshop.

Claire believes that while the menopause was once quite a taboo topic, in today’s society it is much easier to approach with friends, family and medical professionals.

She said: “I think in the past women probably suffered in silence and didn’t say anything whereas now you don’t have to, you can find support.

“Just knowing that there are other people going through the same situation as you is really helpful.”

One of the events is a wellbeing walk around Lightoaks Park, followed by refreshments and the opportunity for supportive chats at Height Library.

The group walk will focus on the physical and mental benefits to women going through menopause and perimenopause, such as improving bone health and reducing stress.

The main aim is to create a support system for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.

People wanting to learn how to better support their friends and family are just as welcome.

The free wellbeing walk will be hosted on October 16, at 10.30am.

Participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to Height Library, where the walk will begin.

The Menopause Cafe will take place from 11.30am to 12.30pm, after the walk.

Tickets to attend the walk can be found here.