New hub aims to support women through menopause

A new menopause support hub has launched in Peterborough, offering specialist fitness and education sessions for women experiencing physical and emotional symptoms.

The SMART Menopause Hub, which is based in Fengate, aims is to provide a safe and practical space where women can talk openly, build confidence and receive guidance on body strength and overall wellbeing.

The initiative follows two pilot workshops that sold out, highlighting strong "local demand" for practical support and guidance, Suzanne Brazier and Emma Raby from the hub told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire's Dotty McLeod.

"We want to let people know they are not alone and support is available," said Brazier, 61.

"This isn't just about hot flushes. Women are dealing with brain fog, loss of confidence and reduced strength - often years after people assume menopause is over," Brazier added.

"We wanted to create somewhere where women feel understood rather than dismissed."

Raby, a menopause qualified instructor, said her own experience had driven her to become involved in the project.

"For me, I initially did the training because I thought it would assist in my teaching, but after my experience, I was brushed away by my GP. At 40, I was diagnosed as peri-menopausal."

She added: "What really stood out during the pilot sessions was the sense of relief in the room.

"Women were saying, 'I thought it was just me.' That told us there was a real need for this."

She said "strength training would form a key part" of the programme, helping women manage changes to overall health.

The programme will also include education sessions - for men and women, to improve understanding of menopause and its effects, as well as address wider issues linked to menopause, including impacts on mental wellbeing and confidence.

Brazier said: "We are talking about this more than ever now. It wasn't discussed this way before. We also train men so they can support their wives."

Hayley Douglas, a menopause champion for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, has welcomed the hub and the support it offers.

"The idea at Cambridgeshire Fire Service was to look at how we can improve the workforce for people going through menopause," she said.

"The more we can do to educate people, the better."

Felicity Reynolds, 43, an Ely-based menopause expert, described the hub as "a fantastic initiative".

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