Menopause Event held at Studio KIND.

What a great night the Menopause Information and Support Event was. Hosted by Studio KIND. and held just in front of the gallery doors, inside Barnstaple’s Pannier Market. I’ll probably look back on this event and think, “How on earth did I do that?”. After six months of planning, from concept to event night, I survived the process. It would be an understatement to say that my cortisol levels increased during that time. But here I am, and I can report that it was, in the words of an attendee, ‘F**king brilliant!’.

The guest speakers were on top form. Dr Jess Danielson was first to speak, and gave an informative medical overview of the stages of menopause. Her delivery was succinct and peppered with humour. Chuckles from the audience gave me a reassuring ‘hug’ that the tone was set for the rest of the evening. The guest speakers’ presentations addressed a diverse range of topics, including science-based medical information, nutrition, pelvic floor health, physical activity, creativity, mindfulness yoga, non-contact boxing for self-confidence and fitness, mental well-being, and menopause in the workplace.

The audience sipped on their water kefir PiQi drinks (a healthy probiotic sparkling beverage), took notes, shared laughs, and asked questions. This event had taken six months in the planning, from concept to actually happening. I momentarily got emotional right at the end; it was probably relief, I’ve never organised an event like this before, with bouts of anxiety a familiar companion throughout that time of planning. But was it worth it?. OMG, yes! Afterwards, the crowd mingled, chatted, and perused the table of information leaflets, free lube & moisturiser samples (they’d all gone when I looked!). Someone said to me, "I think you’ve started a community."

The speakers were filmed on the night by jam-av-media production, and the recording will be available to watch on YouTube. I’ll post a link as soon as it is ready.

The event was made possible by these brilliant sponsors and supporters: Barnstaple Library and Libraries Unlimited, PiQi, Flourishing Barnstaple, Arts Council England, jam-av media production, and Georgia Holleran.

Photo credit: George Rayner/Studio KIND.

The following photos are (top to bottom) Rozzy Scott from ‘Physio With Rozzy’, a pelvic health specialist. Natassja Hodgson, a specialised dietitian with expertise in gastroenterology, working in the NHS and the Private sector. Hannah Lenton, a yoga teacher and menopause wellbeing consultant with specialist training in Menopause Yoga and a deep interest in women’s health. Artists Emma Johnson and Rachel Stanton promote menopausal self-care through ‘Sketch Walks,’ guided walks in beautiful locations that allow participants to draw the scenery and enjoy their surroundings.

Thanks to funding from Barnstaple Town Council and support from Vista Wellbeing CIC, TALKWORKS NHS, and Wander Women North Devon, Studio KIND. will be offering a programme of FREE taster sessions exploring menopause related wellbeing over the coming year.

Tickets are available for the ‘Yoga for Menopause with Hannah Lenton’ session on Tuesday, 1st July 2025, 4.45pm-6.15pm. Tickets are limited and can be booked via Eventbrite/Studio KIND. or by using the button below. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Tickets are available for the ‘Discover your Inner Warrior with Dr Georgie Capone’ on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, 5.15pm-6.15pm. Tickets are limited and can be booked via Eventbrite/Studio KIND. or by using the button below. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Tickets are available for the ‘Introduction to the Pelvic Floor with Rozzy Scott’ on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, 5.15pm-6.15pm. Tickets are limited and can be booked via Eventbrite/Studio KIND. or by using the button below. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Separate to the above, artists Emma Johnson and Rachel Stanton are organising a morning sketch walk on Instow Beach on Friday, 4th July, 10am-12.30pm (meet at 9.50am, The Glorious Oyster, Sandhills Car Park, EX39 4LF. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite/Emma Johnson- Artist & Illustrator or by using the button below. There is an option for a ‘Menopause Talk Ticket’ discount, subject to availability.