Menopause Café in conversation with...

Lesley is founder of 'Over The Bloody Moon', which she describes as a community and organisation with a social purpose. 'Over The Bloody Moon' runs workshops and courses designed to inform, equip, and empower women all through peri-menopause.

Find Lesley at: www.overthebloodymoon.com as well as IG: @overthebloodymoon and Facebook: @overthebloodymoon

Email Lesley at: [email protected]

Jane Weinmann uses photography as a way to visually represent the hidden feelings & emotions associated with life events, especially those that affect women. We spoke to Jane about her experience of menopause, and her studies as a mature student at the open College of Arts.

You can find Jane at: https://www.climacteric.ch and www.janeweinmann.com

Vicky set up the Endometriosis UK Dundee Support Group after her own diagnosis with the condition in 2017. The group provides a safe and supportive environment for those with suspected or diagnosed endometriosis to share their experiences with the condition. Vicky has recently started a post in the voluntary sector and is part of the PKAVS Tampon Taxi Team, putting period dignity at the heart of a fairer, more equal Perth & Kinross. In her spare time, Vicky is kept busy fundraising for Endometriosis UK, and Guide Dogs Scotland.

Connect with Vicky on Twitter @EndoDundee and Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/endodundee/

For more information on PKAVS Tampon Taxi, head to @PKAVSTamponTaxi or email: [email protected]

Sarah Norquoy is an author and wild-swimmer extraordinaire who rediscovered herself at the age of 49. Sarah's recently published book 'Sea salt on my skin' is a startlingly honest, authentic, as well as humorous look at a year of swimming in Orkney seas - from which she discovered that healing does indeed come in waves.

Find Sarah at: www.sarahkennedynorquoy.com and on IG as @seasaltandsarah 

Kath Mazzella is a multi-award winning campaigner, and gynaecological cancer survivor. Together with her husband Tony, she campaigns to raise awareness of gynaecological, sexual and related mental health challenges. In 2009 Kath was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to the community, specifically for raising the profile of gynaecological health.

Kath is founder of International Gynaecological Awareness Day (#IGAD), which is on 10th September.

“Unless we share stories and speak more openly, women will continue to suffer in silence. We must remove this barrier, break the taboos and stigmas, so that women can receive the support and early intervention that will improve their quality of life and in some cases, even save their life”.

Find Kath at: http://www.kathmazzella.com

Rachel Gotto works as a clinical hypnotherapist, and corporate speaker. She's an author with a vast array of lived experience. Rachel has dealt with and overcome many personal challenges in her life, including surgery for a previously deemed inoperable brain tumour, which subsequently left her paralysed down one side of her body. Rachel is a woman who quite literally walks her talk and in her professional capacity offers her wisdom and experience through helping others to acquire the knowledge necessary to come through their own personal struggles. Just by hearing her life story alone, one can’t help but be inspired, and her gripping memoir will be published in October 2021. Rachel lives in beautiful County Galway in Ireland, and she is testament to the fact that the human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.  

You can find Rachel at www.rachelgotto.com and connect with Rachel on Instagram @rachelvgotto and Twitter @RachelGotto 

Heidi Dodson is an accredited Life Coach, Counsellor, Relationship Therapist specialising in NLP and CBT, as well as a Fitness Instructor. Heidi is a passionate advocate for the life-enhancing powers of connection, conversation and laughter.

You can find Heidi at: www.heididodson.com

Sam Bunch is a writer, researcher, TEDx speaker, and interviewer. Sam can often be found in her shed listening to people tell their stories. Her first book 'Collecting Conversations' sold out, and her second book 'Menopause - A Hot Topic' followed on its heels.

You can find Sam at www.collectingconversations.com

Elizabeth Bandeen is a massage therapist based in Glasgow. A self-confessed skin-care addict and lover of striped tops, Elizabeth shares her experience of menopause, and why a little self-care goes a long way.

Find Elizabeth at: www.elizabethbandeen.co.uk

Sue Berry is a retired primary school teacher who recently completed her Masters degree looking at how menopause affects teachers. Sue is also a veteran host of Menopause Cafe events in Kent, and a valuable contributor to our virtual Menopause Cafe events.