A new café will be opening where women can attend for information on all matters relating to the menopause with more planned.
Juanita Steel opens her third Menopause Cafe, in Anthony Grice's Fika Swedish Coffee House on Wolton Road, Liverpool 15. She runs two others in; the Everyman Theatre, Hope Street, the first Thursday of each month 12.30 - 2pm, and twice a month at Olives Café, Page Moss Lane, L14, the next is April 27 from 5 - 7pm.
The Menopause Café is a safe place for women to gather and talk about all things menopause, hormones, lifestyle and wellbeing. The new café at Fika Woolton launches on May 3 from 6 - 7.30pm and bi-weekly from then.
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Juanita, 47 told the ECHO: "Having experienced early menopause six years ago due to having endometriosis and ovarian cysts. That led to a total hysterectomy which brings on menopause. I found zero support for women like me even though I had been in the health and fitness industry for over 20 years”.
As a result, Juanita re-qualified in menopause health to assist her female clients, working 1-1 as an holistic menopause health and fitness coach. She also runs a monthly menopause walking group.
Juanita said: “I'm the host and main leader of the cafes, oversee upcoming cafes and train other menopause café hosts".
Juanita first held a café in her kitchen then the formal café in June 2022. She would meet with her fellow "Meno Sisters" and talk about and learn from herself and others what menopause is all about.
Menopause Cafes are drop in sessions, where women receive a warm welcome and can grab a cuppa. This has led to some great friendships forming.
Juantia said: "I offer Menopause in the Workplace talks so employees are better equipped to deal with menopause at work. Some companies are stepping up implementing menopause policies which is great, but more need to follow.
"If a workplace offered simple tools and strategies to support menopausal women, research shows there’s a reduction in sick days and women leaving their role due to feeling inadequate due to symptoms they’re experiencing. A few companies I’ve worked with leading the way in Liverpool are Barclays Plc, Carlisle Support Services and LIVV Housing Group. I applaud their desire to help their workforce.
Juanita has written an interactive ebook; The Menopause Makeover, as a starting place to understand what women are experiencing. She also has an app launching soon, packed with all things menopause including nutrition, exercise in menopause, lifestyle habits, self care, self love and more.
An attendee of the café Sharon Phelan said: “I’m 14 yrs in the menopause. I was 34 when I started and was lost. Twelve years I suffered with no help.
"I was introduced to the café and the amazing Juanita and my life began again. Meeting amazing ladies, learning about me, my body and having a laugh in a safe place. The hugs are great too.
"This café is so vital to me and the other ladies because I know I have somewhere to go, be me, safe to cry, laugh and be heard. This little place saves lives because there is always someone to help you”.
Juanita continued: "Men are gradually learning little by little because it’s been highlighted more. I think we have all been ignorant to be honest, including myself until I was thrown into it.
"I honestly believe more men and non menopausal women would benefit from understanding symptoms; how it affects their partner, mother, sister, daughter because menopause can be a huge strain on all relationships and home life. Women can find it difficult to articulate how they’re feeling because they don’t understand it themselves, especially in the perimenopause phase. (having symptoms before their periods have stopped)
“I have more (cafes) earmarked to open over the next couple of months so we can reach women everywhere across Liverpool”.
For information visit Jaunita's website HERE
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