North Manchester’s first menopause and perimenopause hub
A 12-session menopause group in Harpurhey was set up through the community-led programme, Winning Hearts and Minds. It has been so successful it is now a weekly community hub running indefinitely. It has become the first menopause and perimenopause-specific group in North Manchester.
How it all began
The hub started in September 2024 at the Harpurhey Neighbourhood Centre. It was created by Leonie Painter, Community Development Fieldworker for Winning Hearts and Minds.
Leonie realised there were few peer-led resources or safe spaces for women. She was approached by women in the local community asking for guidance, which inspired her to act.
Breaking the stigma around menopause
The original plan was a 12-week course. The aim was to break the stigma around menopause by giving women a space to talk.
Sessions covered topics such as brain fog, perimenopause, menopause, and myth-busting. Women could share experiences and increase their knowledge together.
Leonie’s story
Leonie said:
“I had experienced the anxiety, loneliness and confusion that comes with menopause when my own symptoms started a few years ago, just after Covid. I didn’t know what they were and didn’t think I could talk to anyone about it. I thought I was losing my mind and ended up quitting my job.“It was only after learning what was causing it that I began to feel better, but it’s taken a long time to get to this point.
“That’s why I know how important it was to put something in place for the women of North Manchester. The first session was all about establishing that this was their group. I was just there to provide a safe, non-judgemental space.”
Funded by the Community
The hub is funded by Winning Hearts and Minds, a public health initiative under Manchester City Council that reduces health inequalities in North Manchester. It also received support from Jigsaw Housing, which provides targeted community-based funding.
The first sessions were so successful that, over ten months later, the hub is still running. It has become a long-term community resource offering drop-in sessions, expert speakers, and a growing support network.
Building partnerships and support
Local GPs now refer patients to the hub. The group has built links with NHS practitioners, health coaches and nutritionists.
Organisations regularly offer free expert talks covering everything from symptoms and HRT to bone health, lifestyle and mindfulness.
HOME, the independent cinema, theatre and gallery in Manchester, even gave hub members free tickets to BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty’s recent women’s health-related book tour.
Empowering local women
Some of the original members have completed Menopause Champion training. They can now support and signpost other women in the community.
Leonie said:
“The group has become a lifeline for the women involved – not just offering valuable information, but empowering women through shared experiences. They don’t have to come every week, but they know the hub is here when they need it.“They have the power to shape the topics and choose the experts we bring in. Our message is: menopause doesn’t mean your life is ending – it’s a new chapter. As responsibilities like childcare wind down, it’s a chance to rediscover what you want for yourself.
“It’s about ensuring women understand what is happening to them. Through education and shared experiences, we hope this group encourages women to talk – not just to each other, but also to their daughters and granddaughters.
“No one should feel alone. We also want to highlight the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices when you are younger, so you stay well for longer when you are older.”
Expanding the model
Because of the hub’s success, Winning Hearts and Minds hopes to expand the model across Manchester and beyond. They aim to share learning from North Manchester and work with other organisations who want to take a similar approach.
Leonie said:
“What is clear from the feedback of the women who attend the Menopause Hub and from GP practices in the area, is that more needs to be done to help women face what perimenopause and menopause brings. That’s why I want to spread the model across not just Manchester but the whole of England.“By removing the stigma around menopause and getting women of all ages talking about it, we can help every woman feel informed and empowered, rather than confused and alone.”
Community and NHS support
Matthew Berry, Health Coach at Urban Village Medical Practice and one of the first NHS leads to support the group, said:
“Working with Leonie and the Women’s Menopause group has been a very positive experience and an example of health generation from within the community.“Leonie has listened carefully to lived experience and to the complex and wide-ranging issues relating to women and menopause across North Manchester.
“She has networked tirelessly to bring the best information to the women’s health hub. Local women now understand their needs, support each other, and are becoming powerful advocates for better women’s health in our community.”
Supporting health equality
Cllr Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care at Manchester City Council, said:
“Reducing health inequalities is the key to addressing long-standing health issues that affect so many areas of life.“That’s why our public health team focuses on ways of working that empower communities to improve their own health and wellbeing. It means bespoke support can be put in place where it’s needed most.”
Find out more
To find out more about the North Manchester Women’s Menopause Hub, visit the Chat & Change, North Manchester Menopause Peer Support Group page on Facebook.
Or contact l.painter@mcractive.com
For further information about menopause and perimenopause, visit the NHS website.
Case study
Hear from Deena Banister, 60, from New Moston
Deena joined the Menopause Hub when her GP suggested it, after struggling with severe symptoms.
“I have been with the hub for 11 months and the difference for me has been astounding.
I left my job because I thought I had serious health issues linked to menopause symptoms. My confidence had taken a knock, and unknowingly I was suffering from depression and high anxiety.
“Since connecting with the group, I have received vital information and support. I’ve made connections with mental and physical health practitioners and been put on a journey of discovery.
“I’ve received the correct medication for my menopause and mental health issues. I’ve joined a small gym run by the hub leader and I’m now investing in myself.
“My strength and confidence have grown. I now understand what is happening to my body and mind. I’m also a menopause champion and can pass on what I’ve learned to others.
“The hub is so important because it gives its community accurate information, builds links with medical and mental health services, and improves the lives of women.”
