Celebrating the Success of the Menopause Support Project
We are pleased to announce the successful completion of our nine-month Menopause Support Project, aimed at empowering women during one of life’s most significant transitions. Funded by the Ways to Wellbeing Small Grant Fund from York CVS, this initiative has created a lasting impact on the lives of women in York, fostering awareness, support, and community connections.
What We Achieved
The project reached an impressive 2,935 individuals through direct engagement, social media, and facilitated groups. A key highlight was the design and delivery of two six-session peer support groups, attended by 19 women. Participants expressed overwhelming appreciation for the safe space provided, where they could share experiences and learn practical strategies for navigating menopause.
Our efforts were supported by strong collaborations with York St John University, Kyra, and the Menopause Café. These partnerships enabled us to gather invaluable insights via a survey completed by 313 women and to host expert speakers like nutritionist Sally Duffin, enriching the group sessions.
Key Findings
Survey responses revealed that 57.8% of women wanted a peer support group. Participants reported a significant transformation in their self-perception after attending the sessions, with reduced concerns about their mental and emotional well-being. Feedback underscored the importance of creating spaces where women feel heard, understood, and supported.
““Everyone felt heard and had the opportunity to discuss how they were feeling. There was no judgment, and it was a safe space to express ourselves. This stage in life is not something to dread but to embrace.””
Looking Ahead
The insights gained have laid a solid foundation for future efforts. Plans are now underway to procure the funding to begin Phase II of the project - collaborating with the NHS to expand menopause support groups into local communities, providing accessible care alongside medical treatments. These steps will ensure sustainable and integrated support for women navigating menopause.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated, collaborated, and supported this project, especially the project facilitator Stef Bricklebank, York St John University (YSJ), Menopause Café and Kyra Women’s Project, along with members of our own staff and counselling team. Together, we are breaking barriers and creating a community where women can thrive through every stage of life.
If you are part of a local service and would like to get involved with the project, or can help us with funding or support to expand, please get in touch—we would love to hear from you!
