North West Leicestershire District Council: Active Menopause Programme

We aim to provide the right support and communication to ‘normalise’ the menopause and to empower women and encourage sharing of information and experiences. 

Although the focus is on physical activity our holistic approach covers a range of activities supporting diet and nutrition, mental health and wellbeing and providing clinical advice.

The menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life. However, every woman’s experience of menopause is different. With symptoms ranging from hot flushes to anxiety, it can be hard for women to feel their best.

Their symptoms range from acute anxiety to feelings of hopelessness and not being able to control their weight and fitness levels. Many have reported that sometimes they struggle to get out of the house to do anything and the thought of going into a gym terrifies them. 

Women can disengage with physical activity at this stage of life, or not consider it as an option due to the impact of menopausal symptoms. 

The challenge is to show ladies the power of physical activity when incorporated with overall self-care in the management of symptoms at a time of huge change.

A holistic approach to physical activity by incorporating it into an overall wellbeing programme.

This programme allows women to ‘try before they buy’. It’s a series of supported taster sessions with exit routes into existing provision.

Most sessions take 20 women (all have been fully booked so far) some have the capacity for more.

• week one – ‘Core & Floor’, closed session at a private gym
• weeks two and three – ‘MenoFit’, diet and nutrition advice and an introduction to gym work in a smaller and quieter community gym
• week four –  ‘Menopause Clinic Q&A’ hosted by a clinical pharmacist
• week five – ‘Walk, Talk & Pause’, a guided walk through the Leicestershire countryside
• weeks six and seven – ‘AquaFit’, closed sessions at a private pool
• week eight – 'Improving Mental Health and Managing Anxiety' hosted by a mental health charity
• week nine – yoga, mindfulness and breathing techniques
• week 10 – ‘Feel good in the Forest’, an outdoor activity session within the National Forest in partnership with Forestry England. 

We have delivered only three of the 10 sessions and two pilot sessions. Therefore, we have not yet evaluated the programme. 

Below are some early indicators: 

Feedback from Core and Floor

I’ve been doing 30mins strength training three times a week since the last session with Nat. In a few weeks I’ve noticed a difference in my body. I look better, I feel stronger, I have less aches and pains and I’m motivated to do it for my future self.”
- Jo P

I am amazed what a difference the exercises demonstrated have made to my core strength already. It has boosted my confidence and has made me realise that the Menopause does not mean I am too old to enter a Gym! Nat is so positive and encouraging she is a real gem and I am grateful that she is available for ladies of a certain age.” 
- Joy M

I now know I've been doing my pelvic floor exercises wrong since the birth of my second child, 20 years ago!”
- Susan C

It allowed like-minded women to meet up and hopefully build an active, supportive community.” 
- Melanie A

Feedback from clinical pharmacists question and answer

Not only was it all of the above (as advertised), menopause is still seen as a bit of a taboo topic, this session allowed me to hear similar experiences and symptoms expressed by my peers in a private environment. It also raised and addressed issues I hadn't been aware of. Thank you for this session, I will recommend it to my friends, and hope to attend more in the future.” 
- Elizabeth L

The session with the Pharmacist was fantastic. Can highly recommend. He thoroughly explained menopausal symptoms, the numerous treatment available and how to self-help. Could give 10 stars for this session. Many thanks for his time and the efforts of all involved in putting this 10-week programme together. It has so far been invaluable.” 
- Sue C

A lot more information gain in comparison to seeing my GP.” 
- Kirsten G

Feedback from MenoFit (one of two sessions now delivered)

My physical health is improving and I am enjoying meeting other ladies in the group.” 
- Michelle V

I feel more confident to be able to handle what's happening physically and mentally to me now and also be more aware of what could be ahead of me. The 18 April session was fantastic. Thanks to all who took time to put this together.”
- Susan C

I certainly feel better physically after taking the advice given.” 
- Jo P

All three events received five stars from all participants.

BBC Radio Leicester heard about our programme and were so impressed they asked our lead officer Caren to come on the morning breakfast show to discuss the programme and why it is so important.

All activities that the participants have taken part in are available within the community, therefore beyond the programme they can continue to access the activities that they have tried.

However, to continue to deliver this programme to future cohorts of women we would need to seek funding to do so or levy a charge as most of the sessions have come at a cost.

We are so far early on in the programme, therefore this aspect will be evaluated at the end.

Email: [email protected]