University of Chester-World Menopause Day 26
About this Event
World Menopause Day 2026: Moving Through Midlife: Managing Pain and Maintaining Purpose
Join us for an inspiring and supportive afternoon as we mark World Menopause Day 2026 at the University of Chester. Whether you are experiencing perimenopause or menopause yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply want to learn more, this event offers a welcoming space to explore the realities of midlife health and wellbeing.
Through expert insights, practical advice, open conversations and interactive workshops, we'll explore how women can navigate the physical and emotional challenges that can accompany this stage of life while continuing to thrive both personally and professionally. From understanding the role of nutrition in managing symptoms, to redefining wellbeing, building resilience and embracing movement, the afternoon is designed to leave you feeling informed, empowered and connected.
You'll hear from respected speakers, share experiences with colleagues, choose from two engaging workshops, and leave with practical ideas and personal actions to support your wellbeing journey.
For the 3pm session, attendees will have the option to attend one of two workshop options. Prior to the event, you will be contacted to confirm which workshop you would like to attend:
Option 1: Flourishing, Not Just Coping: The Good Life in Midlife and Beyond with Helle Hammonds, Centrapath: Wellbeing is not one fixed thing, and what makes us well changes as our lives change. Most of us are still working from a version of wellbeing we picked up years ago, built from societal expectations, from what we see around us, or from a different stage of our lives. We rarely stop to ask what actually makes us well now, and what we need in place to support it.
This is a friendly, reflective workshop on developing your own wellbeing identity. Drawing on the PERMA model and other approaches, you will take part in practical exercises that look at where your wellbeing comes from now, and what has shifted.
It is an inclusive session, open to anyone, and you will leave with something you have made for yourself.
Helle Hammonds is the founder of CentraPath, working with organisations and individuals on workplace stress, wellbeing and performance. She is a qualified executive coach and holds an MSc in Psychology from the University of Chester, with a research focus on emotional intelligence and burnout. She delivers training and coaching across higher education, the NHS and the corporate sector.
Option 2: Pilates with Harmelie Kinsman: As someone currently experiencing perimenopause, Harmelie has discovered firsthand how powerful Pilates can be in supporting both body and mind. An experienced Barre and Mat Pilates teacher, Harmelie’s session will reinforce the benefits of movement, from easing aches and pains to improving strength, mobility, confidence, and overall wellbeing.
Those attending the Pilates workshop will need to wear comfortable clothes, bring a yoga mat (if you have one) and water
Agenda
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:15 PM
Arrival and coffee
🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:30 PM
Welcome – Kirstie Simpson, Dean of Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise
Info: Kirstie Simpson is Dean of the University’s Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise and has been a senior-level champion of the University’s menopause work for many years. Now a key member of the Strategic Executive Team, Kirstie joins us to open the event and share why conversations like these matter, and how workplace events such as this help build understanding, support wellbeing and ensure colleagues can continue to flourish at every stage of their career.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Keynote Speaker - Tanja Harrison
Info: Registered Nutritionist, guest lecturer and founder of The Menopause Larder, Tanja Harrison is on a mission to help women feel informed, empowered and supported throughout their menopause journey. Combining scientific expertise with practical guidance, she will share how nutrition can play a key role in managing symptoms, maintaining long-term health and helping women feel their best during midlife and beyond (more info to follow!)
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Break
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Discussion groups
Info: Connection is such an important element of our menopause work at the University of Chester and this section will encourage discussion and peer support.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Workshops
Info: Option 1: Flourishing, Not Just Coping
Join wellbeing specialist Helle Hammonds for a practical and reflective workshop exploring what wellbeing means at this stage of life. Using evidence-based approaches, you'll identify what helps you thrive and create a personalised wellbeing tool to take away.
Option 2: Pilates with Harmelie Kinsman
A gentle, accessible Pilates session led by experienced instructor Harmelie Kinsman. Discover how movement can support strength, mobility, confidence and wellbeing during perimenopause and menopause.
Booking Information: Before the event, you will be contacted to select your preferred workshop. Pilates participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring water and a yoga mat if possible.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Reflection and action planning
🕑: 04:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Close
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
