BARNSLEY LIBRARIES - A NEW CHAPTER

Are you being affected by perimenopause/menopause and would like to understand more about your symptoms and ways to relive them?

The New Chapter project will run in six locations: Lightbox, Penistone, Hoyland, Roundhouse, Goldthorpe, and Royston Libraries.

Each location will host four chat sessions about symptoms with Sue and four yoga sessions with Sarah.

Chat Sessions

The programme will include sessions facilitated by Sue (24 in total). Sue has a nursing/NHS background and is a Menopause and Midlife Coach qualified to deliver training on supporting individuals and organisations around Menopause. Each workshop will focus on a particular topic relating to menopause:

• All About Menopause
• Common Symptoms
• Sleep.

Participants will have the chance to talk about their own experiences in these sessions and ask any questions about symptoms. These are informal sessions allowing people to feel comfortable talking to each other. They are available to book and customers will need to book onto each session they wish to attend individually.

Yoga and Mindfulness

The second stage of the project will be delivered by Sarah W, who is a qualified and experienced instructor who offers menopause awareness and support through yoga, mindfulness, and education. She has taught yoga and Pilates in Barnsley for eight years and has worked with various groups. Sarah will deliver sessions at each of the six location (24 in total).

The sessions will have three parts:

• Education and awareness session - explaining how physical activity can benefit women during and after menopause.
• Discussions about anxiety, mood, sleep, bone health, muscle loss, weight gain, hormonal balance, and hot flushes.
• Ladies Circle - participants will share their experiences, feelings, and share advice together in a supportive and confidential environment.

These are bookable online and you will need to book onto all four sessions individually, if you attend all four sessions you will receive a free Yoga matt to continue to do the movements at home.

We will be holding some complementary relaxation and well-being sessions with external practitioners based on the needs and feedback from each group and will be chosen by participants e.g. possibility of reiki, hand or head massage, reflexology sessions. 

We also have the support of the Social Prescribers who are keen to set up some peer groups and for these groups to continue after the project has ended.

Please see link to booking page: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/libraries/library-activities-and-events/events-at-our-libraries/

Keep an eye on the booking system as other library locations will be added soon.