#CreatingWomensSpaces... making spaces for the conversations women want to have!

This meeting's on fire!

A discussion on our bodies, living with female cycles in a man's world & practical steps to manage our bodies & step into our power

14:00-16:30 I Free Creche I Women-only I Brighton & Hove

We invite women of all ages to come together, share wisdom, knowledge, confusion, struggles and the revelations that come from the often unrecognised, unsupported and uncelebrated rites of our womanhood. Described as the last taboo of women's health, it is time to break the menopause stigma.

Women tell us they felt unprepared for the reality of menopause. Social stigma, medical misogyny that normalises women's pain and menopause symptoms, a lack of knowledge converge meaning women are left to flounder when they should be supported to thrive.

There is so much to discuss. How have women understood and experienced menopause historically? Is menopause more than simply the end of menstruation, is it the embodiment of new beginnings? What do we know about how ancient cultures demonised or celebrated the menopausal woman? Who is your menopause goddess? Kali, Baba Yaga, Hecate?

In this Salon we hope to

• Increase our understanding as to what to expect with menopause and perimenopause and how to manage unwanted symptoms
• Learn from the experiences of our sisters
• Learn how to get more from GP appointments
• How to get better support from work

Did you know?

• One in four women experiencing menopause are reported to have considered leaving their job due to symptoms.

• Black women are more likely to have worse symptoms when experiencing menopause, according to a new study. Additionally, Black women reach menopause 8.5 months earlier than white women. They’re also more likely to deal with worse symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, and sleep disturbances. Black women are less likely to receive hormone therapy, as well as medical and mental health services. Read more.

• Shortages of HRT are a feminist issue. Did you know that worldwide and UK drug shortages disproportionately affect women's health?

Making the world of work better for women

Menopause isn't just a women's health issue, it is a workplace issue and an equalities issue too.

A 2019 survey found that three in five menopausal women—usually aged between 45 and 55—were negatively affected at work. BUPA found that almost 900,000 women in the UK had left their jobs because of menopausal symptoms. Whilst menopause is an inevitable and natural part of growing older, women feeling compelled to give up work at the peak of their careers is neither inevitable nor normal. Neither is it beneficial for any work place to haemorrhage talent in this way.

• Take away information on sound workplace policies.

• Encourage your workplace to become an Accredited Menopause Friendly Employer

• Learn how to set up women-only menopause cafe's at your workplace.

What is menopause discrimination?

To be discriminated against, or treated unfairly because you are experiencing the menopause.

Women are protected by a number of pieces of legislation. The Equality Act 2010 protects us under the protected characteristic of sex, age and disability. We are also protected by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which says an employer must, where reasonably practical, ensure everyone's health, safety and welfare at work. (Acas).

About us........

On the THIRD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH we invite women* to join us in our woman-only space to share their experiences and insights. We sit in a circle, as each woman is equal. Every woman is welcome to speak and listen. Yes, we have cake.

Tickets are free, but please donate to help us cover the costs of the venue, the cost of the creche & teas & coffees. Only donate if you can comfortably afford to do so. There is a card reader at the meeting too.

Our creche is FREE! Please book by midnight on 18th September so we can plan the play space. Do let us know of any additional needs they have. If a creche environment is not appropriate for your child, we will happily pay their regular care worker to have them for the duration to enable you to join us.

If you have no recourse to public funds and would like help with travel costs please get in touch.

To learn more about our group and our campaigns visit our website and follow us on twitter. Please read our mythbusters here. If you want to create spaces for women please download our activist pack that tells you everything you need to know.

*We have a single-sex policy. Strictly women-only- women registered female at birth. Women registered female at birth who express a trans or non-binary identity are welcome. If you were registered male at birth we are happy to signpost you to a variety of similar groups (scroll down)

Our rules........

Sales close on the Wednesday before the event.

Many of our topics can trigger disclosures of sexual & domestic abuse. Women often talk about difficult and personal issues. We hold this space to enable women to do this. Many have no other space in their lives dedicated to reflection in this way. To enable women to feel safe, centred and empowered to do this, all attendees enter into our community pledge; confidentiality, sensitivity, trust, respect and sisterhood.

Signposting........

Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night.

RISE Domestic Abuse Helpline 01273 622 822 we're here on Monday and Tuesday mornings, 9.30 - 12.30pm and Wednesday 5-7pm or self refer here

Rape Crisis unisex call free on 0808 500 2222

Mums/birthing parents who are survivors of sexual trauma (starting this April) in Hove www.releaseforwomen.org.uk

Armed Forces Support Aurora New Dawn For serving members and their families subject to domestic abuse, stalking or sexual violence, regardless of where you are based 023 92479254 email: armedforces@aurorand.org.uk

Revenge Porn Helpline 0345 6000 459 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
Emails can be sent any time to help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk

Paladin - National Stalking Advocacy Service 020 3866 4107 https://www.paladinservice.co.uk/
Helpline provides advice to victims of stalking and advocacy to high risk victims of stalking, raises awareness of dangers and risks of stalking, develops a victim's network of support as well as providing training to professionals and campaigning.

The National Stalking Helpline 0808 802 0300 https://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Category/national-stalking-helpline Practical advice and information to anyone who is currently or previously been effected by harassment or stalking.

Women of Colour Brighton A community for women of colour, including non-binary people of colour https://www.womenofcolourbrighton.co.uk/

Navigate Peer support group for anyone who is transmasc, gender diverse and assigned female at birth https://www.navigatebrighton.co.uk/about

Navigate Peer support group for anyone who is transmasc, gender diverse and assigned female at birth https://www.navigatebrighton.co.uk/about

Brighton LGBT Switchboard helpline 01273 204050 https://www.switchboard.org.uk/what-we-do/trans-support/