For those going through menopause, it can often be a confusing and worrying time. People with learning disabilities may find it harder to understand the changes happening in their body or explain how they are feeling.
Kirklees Involvement Network (K.I.N), a self‑advocacy group for people with learning disabilities in Kirklees, has launched what they believe to be the UK’s first menopause cafés specifically for people with learning disabilities, thanks to funding from Creative Minds, a charity hosted by the South West Yorkshire NHS Foundation Trust.
K.I.N is a service facilitated by Cloverleaf Advocacy, an advocacy organisation that has been helping people be heard since 1995. Cloverleaf provides free and confidential person-centered advocacy, self-advocacy and community involvement services for people with mental ill-health, people with learning disabilities, people with physical or sensory impairments, people with acquired brain injury and older people.
The Menopause Cafes are a warm, supportive space for people with learning disabilities to understand the changes that come with menopause. These sessions offer a chance to learn about symptoms in an accessible way, while creating a safe environment where they can share experiences, talk openly about their feelings and support one another. The sessions hope to build confidence and empower people with learning disabilities to feel more informed and reassured in what can often be a challenging time.
Joanne Green, Operations Director at Cloverleaf Advocacy said: “We are proud to launch what we believe to be the UK’s first Menopause Cafés specifically for people with learning disabilities. People with learning disabilities are often overlooked in conversations about menopause and can face barriers when accessing the right information and support.
These sessions create a safe and welcoming space where people can come together — whether they are approaching menopause, experiencing it for the first time, or have been living with it – to share experiences, build understanding, and feel supported.
We want everyone to know that they are not alone on this journey. A big thank you to Creative Minds for their generous funding, which has made this initiative possible”
The Dewsbury Menopause Cafe takes place at Cloverleaf Advocacy’s Head Office at Empire House every third Wednesday of the month 12.30-2.30pm and the Huddersfield Menopause Cafe takes place at The Hive on the last Wednesday of every month at 12.30-2.30pm.
