Kirsty Wark Joins Discussion at Perth Menopause Café

Published

1st November 2017

The broadcaster who inspired the World’s first Menopause Café popped along to a follow-up event in Perth at the weekend.

The first event, which was held in the city in June, was inspired by Kirsty Wark’s BBC Scotland documentary which aimed to break down taboos over the ‘third stage of life’. The programme sparked a deluge of interviews and articles on the subject, helping to correct misconceptions and encourage dialogue amongst both men and women.

On Saturday 28 October, Kirsty took part in the third Menopause Cafe alongside a group of around 25 other women. Once again sponsored by Rowan Consultancy, the event was held in Perth Concert Hall café shortly before Kirsty and Rachel Weiss, Senior Partner, Rowan Consultancy took part in a panel discussion about women and ageing as part of the weekend’s WOW Perth Festival.

Kirsty commented, “There are a lot of misunderstandings and misconceptions about the menopause. Unfortunately, it’s generally associated with failing women and the onset of old age, not about women who are in their prime of life.

“After we made the BBC documentary, we heard from so many women who initially had no idea how debilitating it can be, until it happened to them. Many watched it with their partners or their Mums and it really did start a conversation in many homes and workplaces across the country.

“Of course, there are some women who are lucky enough to get by without many symptoms but, irrespective of how it affects different women, the menopause still carries connotations of age and something we just need to ‘get on with’. Many women up and down the country go to their GPs when their symptoms start, and are wrongly given antidepressants, complaining of forgetfulness, joint pain and exhaustion. What they actually need is support and that’s where these Menopause Cafes are just brilliant. I hope that many more will spread across the country and encourage more and more women, and men, to open up about the subject.”

Rachel Weiss, who is also the founder of Menopause Cafe added, “We were delighted that Kirsty joined the many other women who attended our Menopause Café at the weekend. We had a fantastic turnout and it was great to have Kirsty there among them, given that her documentary was the catalyst for the very first event which was held in the Summer.

“Unfortunately, perhaps because their mothers and grandmothers did, many women feel that they should just suffer in silence. However, the Menopause affects all women eventually, as well as those they live and spend time with, so the Café forum provides the perfect, relaxing environment in which to share stories or just listen, giving participants a clearer sense of the impact of the menopause, and how it might affect them.”

For more information, please visit http://www.menopausecafe.net/

Rowan Consultancy

Established in 1997, Rowan Consultancy is one of Scotland\'s leading personal and organisational development specialists. We are driven by our desire to help people lead more satisfying lives. We do this by raising their self-awareness and capacity to make choices.

Back to news