Hot Flash Cafe: Sip, Share, Support

Hot Flash Cafe: Sip, Share, Support – An 8-week programme centered around all things Menopause.

Thanks to the incredible support from our funders; The Funders Forum, Buccleuch Estates and Muirhall Energy together with the dedicated team at The Langholm Alliance, an inspiring 8-week journey focusing on menopause came to a close in October 2024. From late August through to Menopause Awareness Day on the 18th October, this series of events provided a safe and inclusive space for women to connect, learn, and share their experiences.  This programme has been a transformative experience for everyone involved, building a community of support and understanding. To all the amazing women who participated and shared their journeys, thank you for making this initiative such a success.

The programme offered valuable insights into the physical, emotional, and social changes that come with menopause. Women from near and far gathered to explore every stage of this transition and support one another in meaningful ways.

This 8-week programme provided a comprehensive look at menopause, offering valuable insights and practical advice to participants. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including What to Expect Pre/During/Post Menopause, Nutrition During Menopause, and Holistic Approaches to Menopause.

Fitness-focused weeks highlighted the benefits of Strength Training and Yoga, while a session on Health & Wellbeing emphasised overall self-care. Discussions on Menopause at Work and Men’s Matters provided important perspectives on navigating menopause in professional and personal contexts.

The programme concluded on a celebratory note with a Celebration to a better Second Half, encouraging participants to embrace this stage of life with positivity and empowerment.

The sessions were enriched by expert guidance, including Dr Heather Currie from Menopause Matters and Ruth Devlin from Let’s Talk Menopause, whose insights framed the entire journey along with representatives from NHS Dumfries & Galloway, local fitness trainers Abbimax Fitness and Esk Yoga and many more. The venue at Langholm Rugby Club provided the perfect setting, with ample space for discussions and fitness activities, and refreshments to keep energy levels high.

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the programme as life changing. Here’s what some attendees had to say:

“The sessions have been super. A ‘taboo’ subject BUT it shouldn’t be. These sessions, attended by like-minded people on the same journey, have been inspiring. Thank you to Michelle and Donna for all their hard work behind the scenes.”

“That all these sessions have covered so many topics of what menopause is all about. They have been encouraging and supportive, creating a safe space for everyone to open up and discuss their experiences. I hope these sessions will continue to spread awareness.”

“THANK YOU! You may actually have opened up what has felt like an anxious, lonely life despite being surrounded by friends and family. I can finally see that glimmer of light.”

One participant summed it up perfectly in four words: Great – Informative – Interesting – Lifesaving. The unqualified success of the Hot Flash Café has led to further sessions being planned to explore topics such as mental health and advanced nutrition