Reframe: Rediscovering You Through The Menopause Journey

In the above photo from L to R: Emma Lee, Samantha Hardwick, Hazel Harrison, Nicky Ruddick, Hannah Lenton, Amy Redfern, Hannah Shackleton, Kath Floyd, Sharon Gale, Jemma Coates, and Vicky Johnston.

There’s something deliciously ironic about holding an event called Reframe inside a library, a place where we’ve all probably been told to keep quiet. But on Saturday 18th October, celebrating World Menopause Day, the women of Barnstaple threw the rule book out the window (gently, of course, it’s still a library) and filled the space with conversation, creativity, and more laughter than you might expect from a day dedicated to fluctuating hormones.

From the moment I set up, it was clear this wasn’t your average health fair. The air buzzed with curiosity, the kind that happens when women start swapping stories and realise, “Oh, it’s not just me.”

Artist Nicky Ruddick got everyone snipping, sticking, and reimagining midlife through her collage activity Filter This! I hosted Baggage to Beauty, a creative writing and drawing workshop where we turned our emotional luggage into badges of honour, quite literally, with a little badge-making thrown in for good measure.

The day continued with an inspiring line-up of experts and advocates: Hannah Shackleton from Active Devon and the Community Yoga Project; Amy Redfern, Tropic Skincare Ambassador; Ihsan Jean-Paul Dal Din and Xanthe Ivory from VitaliQi, sharing insights into acupuncture, holistic health, and cancer support; Kath Floyd, the ever-stylish image expert; and Jemma Coates, Mental Health Occupational Therapist at Barnstaple Alliance Primary Care Network.

There was wisdom from Emma Lee, Mindset Coach for Women in Midlife; Hazel Harrison of The Verve Clinic/ViatliQi; Loren Lever, Nutritionist and Women’s Health Specialist; Samantha Hardwick, Complementary Therapist; Hannah Lenton, Yoga Teacher and Menopause Wellbeing Consultant; and Vicky Johnston, Naturopathic Nutritionist.

Meanwhile, the tables were scattered with flyers, freebies, and book offers. From TALKWORKS and Rozzy Scott, the pelvic floor specialist, to the Warrior Women Project and The YES YES Company, featuring their much-loved samples. Local author and Pilates instructor Anna Weller had copies of her book, "Your Health Is Your Wealth."

By mid-afternoon, the energy had shifted from curious to confident. Women were chatting like old friends, comparing notes, swapping tips, and laughing about the things we once only whispered about. It was proof that when you mix science with sisterhood, something powerful happens.

As I packed up my art supplies and stickers, I couldn’t help but think: maybe menopause doesn’t need a makeover, just a little reframing.

Reframe wasn’t just an event. It was a reminder that midlife isn’t the end of the story, it’s a brand-new chapter, and this time, we’re writing it ourselves.

In the above photo from L to R: Sharon Gale, founder of Hot Flush, and Nicky Ruddick, artist and workshop lead for the creative collage activity called Filter This!

A huge thank you to Barnstaple Library for hosting and supporting such a warm, empowering day.

Follow Hot Flush on Facebook for more menopause news, creative events, and stories from women navigating the same wild, wonderful journey.

Here’s the line-up from the event:

Nicky Ruddick, artist and workshop lead for Reframe

Hannah Shackleton, Local Partnerships Manager for Active Devon

Amy Redfern, Tropic Skincare Ambassador

Ihsan Jean-Paul Dal Din, Acupuncturist, Holistic Health & Aesthetics at VitaliQi

Xanthe Ivory, Integrative Counsellor specialising in women’s health and cancer support at VitaliQi

Kath Floyd, Image Expert and fully qualified Style Coach

Jemma Coates, Mental Health Occupational Therapist at the Barnstaple Alliance Primary Care Network

Emma Lee, Mindset Coach for Women in Midlife

Hazel Harrison, The Verve Clinic, Nutrition and Lifestyle Advice/VitaliQi

Loren Lever, Nutritionist and Women’s Health/Menopause Specialist

Samantha Hardwick, award-winning Holistic Wellness & Mindset Coach/VitaliQi

Hannah Lenton, Yoga for Menopause Instructor

Vicky Johnston, Naturopathic Nutritionist, supporting women navigating hormonal changes