YWCS announces Menopause Support Group Project for York

Thanks to funding from the Ways to Wellbeing Small Grant Fund, York Women’s Counselling Service (YWCS) will be  piloting menopause support groups for women this year.  This will be a first for York as far as we know.  We have been hearing for some time from women receiving counselling at YWCS about the lack of support with the psychological symptoms of the menopause which can be extensive and difficult to handle. 

The aim of the project is both to provide a safe place for women to explore/talk about the often challenging effects related to going through the menopause.  Currently in its early stages, our Menopause Support Group Project is being led by Stef Bricklebank, a highly experienced group therapist and trainer.  We are excited to be co-producing the project with York St John University (YSJ)  and Kyra Women’s Project, along with members of our own staff and counselling team. Sophie Carter,  Aimee Woodward, Hayden Costello and Nikki Jephson all from YSJ are all providing invaluable input to the project. 

This week marks the launch of a questionnaire to collect information from women about their experience of the menopause.  We would really appreciate your help with this.

Stef Bricklebank, project leader said

‘It’s important for us to gather information about their experience of the menopause from as many women as possible; from perimenopause to those who may now be in their sixties and beyond. Do please complete the menopause questionnaire here if you feel able and we’d be glad for you to share it with friends also. Thank you’ .  

Next Stef will run menopause awareness training for counsellors in York and in collaboration with .  Information from the survey and training will be used to shape the first 6-session support group in the spring.  Feedback from the members will help streamline the second pilot support group in the summer.  Findings from the project will be reported on in the autumn.