A surprise guest joined the pop-up Menopause Café at the Blend Coffee Lounge in Perth on Tuesday night.
More than 40 people were drinking tea and talking about menopause when the first minister Nicola Sturgeon arrived and joined the conversations at some of the tables.
The Menopause Café movement started in Perth in 2017 and has spread worldwide, with volunteers now hosting events in the UK, Bahrain, Mexico, USA, Austria and India. The charity creates spaces for conversations about menopause.
The first minister said: “When I was growing up, I didn’t know much – if anything - about the menopause. It was shrouded in mystery because women didn’t tend to talk about it.
“Now, I understand that is partly because of the stigma women face when admitting they are going through the menopause - as well as the vulnerability that comes when we start experiencing symptoms.
“I can’t think of a better place to come to have a frank and informative discussion about the menopause than a Menopause Café.
“The idea behind these fantastic events is so important as we work towards normalising these important conversations.”
The charity was founded by Rachel Weiss in Perth in 2017.
“The first minister is a good role model by talking about her perimenopause and its effect on her working life,” said Rachel .
“Many people still feel it’s something they can’t mention at work or at home.
“That’s why our charity provides relaxed spaces for menopause conversations, which can empower people to then speak with their family, friends and colleagues.
“We share our stories, questions, tips and laughs. It’s not all doom and gloom: with knowledge and support , the menopause transition can be a transformative experience leading to a new stage of life”.
To attend or host a Menopause Café, go to www.menopausecafe.net
