Menopause café offering support in Tavistock

A free menopause café is offering a welcoming space for people in Tavistock to find support and share experiences.

The event, run by Danielle Haydon and a group of friends, takes place once a month at Mime Café in Paddons Row. 

It is open to anyone affected by menopause, either personally or through supporting a loved one.

Danielle said: “It’s a place for ALL people to come who are in a menopause rut or someone they know needs help or support.”

The idea for the café came from informal meetups between the organisers, who are based across Devon and Cornwall.

“It all began because we occasionally were able to get together on Wednesday afternoons, if work allowed, before the school pick up,” Danielle explained.

“Our children are different ages and at different schools, so as Mum's we are slightly spread over various Devon and Cornish locations. It was a great opportunity for us to catch up.”

At the time, Danielle was working for a charity in Exeter supporting people at birth, delivering menstrual wellbeing education in schools, and helping people through menopause. 

The friends noticed there was no dedicated support in Tavistock and decided to start the café.

“There is a nationwide initiative themenopausecafe.net which was a great starting point,” Danielle said. 

“We registered with them, found a suitable venue, set the first Wednesday of each month and off we went!”

She added: “It was great because it's just a pop up cafe each month, at the wonderful Mime cafe in Paddons Row in Tavistock, there is no financial pressure or commitment. People simply turn up, we give 2 hours each month and we all get together for a good old natter, moan, laugh and sometimes tears.”

The café sessions have no formal agenda, unless there is a visiting speaker, and conversations are guided by those who attend.

The five founders, aged between 45 and 51, come from a range of professional backgrounds including education, the NHS, pharmacy, farming, hospitality, sailing, and holistic therapies.

“None of us are experts in the menopause but the great thing is that we don't have to be, as we never prescribe anything in the sessions,” Danielle said.

“We do discuss what various people are using but we're not there to advise.”

She added that the café is open to everyone, not just those experiencing menopause directly.

“We really welcome anyone along, who is having a tough time, even partners, friends or family members if they are concerned about a loved one,” she said. 

“We can honestly say we feel lighter and better after a session, knowing that it's not only you that's going through this and experiencing these often extreme emotions. A problem shared is a problem halved as they say!”

The group alternates between daytime and evening sessions to suit different schedules.

The next menopause café will be held on Wednesday 7 May, from 7pm to 9pm at Mime Café.

Danielle said: “We'll welcome you with open arms :)”