Comedy, creativity and menopause chats in OnFife’s taboo-busting project

A popular initiative that encourages greater openness about the menopause continues to build momentum with another three engaging online events.

Upcoming sessions in OnFife Libraries’ Pause Not Full Stop project have creativity, comedy and the benefits of cognitive behaviour as their focus.

The initiative, which launched with a sell-out event in February, continues with the basics of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on Thursday 20 May with the founder of the Let’s Talk Menopause website, Ruth Devlin. The interactive session is an ideal chance to find out more about relaxation techniques that will help to relieve menopause symptoms.

This is followed by artist Lynn Fraser on Wednesday 26 May who will lead an event that helps people to see a common plant – so often dismissed as a pest – in a whole new light.

Participants will be invited to gather vibrant and beautiful dandelions and learn some simple techniques to create in their own watercolour.

The session provides an opportunity to chat about the menopausal health benefits associated with this most everyday of plants.

For those who find painting a little daunting, a doodle will do just as well. All of the materials for the workshop are provided.

Award-winning stand-up comedian Elaine Miller presents an evening of taboo-busting comedy with Getting to Gusset GRIPpers with Menopause on 23 June.

It promises to be a seriously funny show, and the perfect pick-me-up for anyone who’s finding that the menopause is making them miserable.

Each of the events will include time for participants to share their experiences – and discuss what might help them to cope with menopause symptoms.

OnFife Libraries Service Development Officer Samantha MacDougall says: “We want to create safe, supportive settings that encourage positive and productive conversations for individuals, friends and family.

“Pause Not Full Stop is all about starting to explore the journey through the menopause with a smile instead of fear.”

Pause Not Full Stop is one of 16 projects in the Carnegie UK Engaging Libraries Programme. The initiative enables libraries to interact with their users in new ways while encouraging local communities to engage with research.

Future activities will include arts and crafts sessions and drama workshops. OnFife Libraries are also working with leading experts to help raise awareness of relevant research and direct people to trusted sources of information.

You can keep up to date about the activities on offer by visiting the OnFife website onfife.com or by joining the Pause Not Full Stop Facebook group.