Loughborough’s Menopause Café brings colleagues together

Members of staff sitting around tables listening to a presentation at the Menopause Café.

Last week, with the support of Maia (Loughborough University's Women's Network), Occupational Health (OH), and the Human Resources (HR) team, the University held its first Menopause Café.

The café was launched in October to mark Menopause Awareness Month and proved to be a resounding success, drawing a diverse and engaged group of colleagues.

The atmosphere was warm and supportive, encouraging participants to share their personal experiences, ask questions, and listen to others.

A highlight of the event was a dedicated session led by OH colleagues, offering practical guidance and information on navigating menopause. Their insights helped demystify the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause, and many attendees expressed appreciation for the clarity and compassion with which the topic was addressed.

For many, the café was a rare opportunity to speak openly about menopause without fear of judgment. Attendees shared stories of resilience, challenges, and the often-overlooked impact of menopause on work and personal life. The event underscored the importance of normalising these conversations, not just among those experiencing menopause, but across the wider community.  

Given the enthusiastic response and the clear demand for continued dialogue, we plan to host a Menopause Café every few months. The next café is scheduled for Tuesday, 24 February, with further details to be announced shortly.

The success of this event marks a meaningful step toward breaking down stigma and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. As one attendee put it: “It was a relief to finally talk about this openly and to realise I’m not alone.”

If you would like any further details about the Menopause café, please reach out to Gayle Prockter or Carolyn Kenney in HR.