Breaking down taboos as menopause cafe comes to town

A menopause café will be held in Perth next month aimed at breaking down taboos over the subject.

Inspired by broadcaster Kirsty Wark’s recent TV documentary on the subject, the free event will be hosted by Perthbased Rowan Consultancy.

The café will be held on Monday June 12, between 6 and 8pm in the Blend Coffee Lounge.

Rachel Weiss, one of the founders of Rowan Consultancy, said: “The Menopause Café is aimed at women and men of all ages who would like to come along and talk about the menopause, to share their stories, experiences and questions.

“Everything we do at Rowan is underpinned by communication and, having used this format successfully to discuss the similarly taboo topic of death, we thought the menopause would be another topic to explore, and encourage conversation around.

“Unfortunately, many women feel that they should just get on with the menopause, with some never talking to their friends of family about it.

“However, the reality is that it affects all women eventually, not forgetting those who live and spend time with them.”

She continued: “People can come along and just listen, or join in on the discussions, hopefully leaving with a clearer sense of the impact of the menopause on those who are experiencing it,”

In addition to Ms Weiss, the event is being organised by Lorna Fotheringham, Andy Sanwell and Gail Jack.

Ms Fotheringham said: “When I saw the original Facebook post regarding this idea, I thought how brilliant it was that someone was thinking of doing something locally.”