Menopause Dinners Live

Our first live event lands on World Menopause Day — come for the wisdom, stay for the laughs (and the occasional hot flush). As a non‑profit, we’re here to educate, support and bring some much‑needed humour to midlife. From the Menopause Dinners podcast to Hot Flush Desk, you’re joining a community that’s growing faster than our symptoms.

Here's what the day has in store:

Guest speakers

Amanda Connolly FCIPD:  Career Coach, Mentor, HR Consultant & Founder of Pause and Empower.

With over 25 years' experience in senior HR roles, she is passionate about helping women navigate menopause, career change and life transitions with confidence. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience of Perimenopause, Amanda speaks candidly about the challenges women face at work, from brain fog and confidence dips to workplace culture and career progression. Known for her practical, engaging and relatable style, Amanda combines humour, insight and actionable strategies to help women thrive and organisations retain valuable talent.  At this event Amanda will be talking about menopause at work, brain fog & confidence, career & midlife moves, workplace culture & change. 

Sara Packard: Dip. CFMS, Dip. Ac, Dip. Na, Dip. Sp. Dip. Ir, MSTA, MBacC: Certified Fascial Manipulation Specialist, TCM Acupuncturist, Sports Therapy, Founder of Fitness Therapy 4 You

Sara has worked in women’s health for over 20 years, supporting women with fertility and IVF, gynaecological conditions, menopause symptoms, digestive concerns & all types of internal issues. She treats every kind of injury — from frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis and sciatica to knee pain & more — & has extensive experience helping athletes recover & perform. As one of the first two Certified Fascial Manipulation Specialists in the UK, she trained in Italy. Alongside deep anatomical & biomechanical expertise, Sara also provides nutrition & naturopathic guidance. At this event Sara will be discussing how Menopause impacts joints,  Fascia & how it plays a key role,  how to survive muscular skeletal/joint pain in all stages of your Menopause Journey and introducing the Big 5!
Sara is also the founder of Menopause Dinners, podcast with a difference. She will also be discussing how nutrition can help joint pain and host the podcast at the live event later in the day.

Julia Hannon Mixed Expressive Arts Practitioner

Julia Hannon is a Neuro Divergent.Mixed Media Expressive Arts Practitioner with a background working in the NHS.Julia became ‘Menopause Champion’ advocating for menopausal women working in hospitals in South Wales.Julia is currently retired, freelancing as a Mixed Media Expressive Arts Practitioner; regularly facilitating Meno-Crafting groups and general Arts & Crafts Groups in Pontypridd (South Wales) and surrounding areas.Julia is a compassionate, kind, highly creative person who authentically lives through her creative expressions, spending a lot of her free time creating emotiveartworks which portray emotions through color.Julia lives with chronic pain/fibromyalgia and was also an Arts in Health champion working on projects that benefited patients and staff alike @ prince changes Hospital Methryr

What else can you expect on the day?

Activities: 

Sound Bath & Meditation

Runa is a Leadership Coach, Therapist and Sound Practitioner. She creates nurturing spaces for people to grow into their potential and enhance their wellbeing. During this immersive sound and gong bath, you'll be guided into relaxation through the soothing vibrations of a Tibetan singing bowls, Gong and other therapeutic instruments. The session offers an opportunity to slow down, release tension, calm your nervous system, and reconnect with yourself in a peaceful, supportive environment.

Who Should Not Attend / Medical Considerations

A sound bath is suitable for most people; however, it may not be appropriate for:

• Anyone in the first trimester of pregnancy.
• People with epilepsy or a history of sound-triggered seizures (please seek medical advice before attending).
• Individuals with severe sound sensitivity or acute tinnitus that may be aggravated by sound.
• Anyone experiencing a serious mental health crisis or psychosis.
• People with implanted medical devices (such as pacemakers) should consult their healthcare professional before attending

Yoga

Gentle movements, flexibility, restoring fluidity, reduce stress factors are some of the great reasons to do Yoga.  Our practitioner for the afternoon will be announced soon.  

Community: 

Introducing Men's Corner.

We have your back!  We know how hard and confusing it maybe when you have someone in your life that is going through the Menopause but you don't know what to do and how to help.  We have an afternoon where you can come and talk, learn and support each other in a safe non judgemental environment.  You can either come for the whole day and also listen to our wonderful speakers or just come for the afternoon session.  The choice is up to you.  We have the amazing Pete, who was on podcast "Men & the Menopause" in season 2.  He will be your champion for the day alongside Sara who will come and chat with you discussing anything you want to ask. 

Podcast Recording

As you may know Menopause Dinners is a podcast, it wouldn't be right if we didn't have a final chat with you! If we have time, we will also be recording a special podcast from the event, where you as the audience will be our guests!

Other Information

Menopause Wellbeing Stalls: With feel‑good products ranging from beauty to food. Fancy renting a stall with us? Drop us a line at menopausedinners@gmail.com

Food: At Menopause Dinners we believe in nourishing our symptoms with good food. The first 50 ticket holders enjoy a free meal on us.

Parking & wheelchair access:  Full accessible for wheelchair users.  Nearest station Fairlop tube, central line, just a 5 min walk.  Travelling by car?  M11 is 11 mins away and the M25 Juntion 27 24 mins.  We are also 6 mins drive from the A406 and A12. Redbridge sports & Leisure have two car parks, with a discounted fee for our ticket holders.

Event starts: 10am to 5pm.  Registration from 9.30am. The event will be held in the Jean Brown Indoor Arena

If you would like any more information please contact:  Menopausedinners@gmail.com