Support group aims to 'break stigma' of menopause

A monthly cafe will be held as part of the Luna Pause support group's work

The founder of a new support group says she wants to empower women and "break the stigma" around the menopause.

Birgit Allport said the aim of her Stoke-on-Trent-based initiative Luna Pause, which launches at the weekend, was to provide a safe space for women to share their stories.

While she went through the menopause with no issues, Ms Allport said she was inspired to create the group through hearing stories from friends and family.

"The plan is to empower and encourage women to speak openly about their struggles, to support each other and build up each other's confidence," she told BBC Radio Stoke.

She described the struggles women experience as something that "disappears into the shadows of society" when it should be discussed openly.

"I believe the female body is an incredible machine," she added. "We can create little humans, so what more is there to celebrate than a woman and everything that comes with being a lady?"

'Empower women'

The group will hold its launch event at the Better Together community centre in Trent Vale on Saturday and Ms Allport said she hoped it would be well attended.

As well as holding a menopause cafe on the last Friday of every month, it will also work with health services to provide support to members.

"The main goal is to empower the women and get rid of the stigma," she added. "Break the stigma, promote a holistic way of being and create a safe space for women."

The menopause typically affects women between the ages of 45 and 55 but can happen earlier, according to the NHS.

It can happen naturally or for other reasons, including surgery to remove ovaries or cancer treatments like chemotherapy.