It's time to join our safe space to talk about the menopause, discussing the symptoms, available support and the stigma.
Hosted by Grace Choi you will hear from our guests including leading clinician Dr Louise Newson, comedian and writer Jenny Eclair, and Dr Annabel Sowemimo and have the opportunity to share your journey as we listen to what support and guidance you would like to see available.
Join our first event on 8 July at 5pm as we start the conversation.
Speakers
Louise Newson is a GP and menopause specialist and as director of Newson Health Ltd. She runs their menopause and wellbeing centre, providing evidence based holistic care for those experiencing the menopause. Louise has an Advanced Menopause Specialist certificate with the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH) and the British Menopause Society (BMS). She is passionate about improving education on the perimenopause and menopause, and also improving awareness of safe prescribing of Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) to healthcare professionals. She has developed the menopause doctor information website and the new free menopause app balance. Louise is also the founder of The Menopause Charity which not only supports and empowers those experiencing the menopause, but also uses evidence based knowledge to help educate doctors about the perimenopause and menopause.
Jenny Eclair is a comedian, novelist and actress best known for her roles in Grumpy Old Women and Loose Women. She is the author of Older and Wider, a funny, irreverent and refreshingly honest compendium of the menopause. Jenny's whistle stop tour of the menopause in all its glory will make you realise that it really isn't just you. Jenny will share the surprising lessons she has learned along the way as well as her hard won tips on "the joy of cardigans, dealing with the empty nest (get a lodger) and keeping the lid on the pressure cooker of your temper (count to 20, ten is never enough)."
Dr Annabel Sowemimo is a Community Sexual and Reproductive Health registrar. She founded a collective – Decolonising Contraception, which aims to address the structural and historical determinants of sexual and reproductive health. She is a trustee for Medact charity and sits on the International Affairs Committee for the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Health. She is also a freelance writer with a regular column on gal-dem.com – Decolonising Healthcare. Dr Annabel will talk about influencing and supporting underrepresented voices, improving healthcare for marginalised groups as well as her real-life approach in her work, age, and workplace issues. She will discuss why women are considered disruptive at a later age and also how to know that menopause is coming and what to do to prepare for it, health wise.
Grace Choi is an award-winning architect with over 20 years practice experience. As a student, she was awarded the RIAS silver medal before working for several renowned practices. Grace Choi Architecture was later formed in reaction to the frustrations of balancing family life and wanting to make a meaningful difference through architectural practice. The practice works across all sectors with an emphasis on community projects and homes. Grace represents the RIBA North East Council as the elected Equality, Diversity and Inclusion champion, and other EDI initiatives in the region. She also sits on the RIBAJ’s editorial panel, is a visiting reviewer and lecturer at various universities across the UK. Grace advocates for ethical practice, design and equity.
Read more about how the RIBA is leading the way in developing menopause support and guidance for members and organisations in the wider built environment. Go to the RIBA Menopause and Work page which includes signposting to a wide range of useful links and resources.
