Students from the University of Huddersfield’s Health and Wellbeing Academy will be giving health checks at the North’s largest menopause conference in Halifax later this week.

The Menopause Live event is being held at the Victoria Theatre on Thursday April 27 from 9.30am-3.30pm and will be headlined by Diane Danzebrink, the founder of Menopause Support and the national #MakeMenopauseMatter campaign. 

The conference is the largest independent menopause conference in the North of England and is set to banish the menopause taboo and educate people about the significant and tumultuous life changes many women go through at this stage of their lives. 

The students from the Health and Wellbeing Academy will be offering heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and temperature checks on the day for those concerned about symptoms associated with menopause.

Featuring guest speakers with practical advice and networking opportunities, the event will arm women with information and advice on how to thrive, and not just survive, menopause. 

The event has a capacity for 400+ attendees and will be split into two 2.5-hour sessions across the morning and afternoon, with speakers and interactive Q&A panel sessions.

An exciting line-up of inspirational speakers from doctors to nutritionists to employment law specialists will share the latest advice and information regarding health, relationships, nutrition and mental health.

Sarah Banks, author of the Menopause Positivity Planner

Headline act Diane Danzebrink is a leading media commentator and voice on the subject of the menopause and mental health. She has been instrumental in ensuring that the curriculum in secondary education in England includes the menopause, and that all medical students will study menopause from 2024.  

Conference attendees will also benefit from a regional overview of the value of Menopause Live Conference from Nicky Chance-Thompson DL, CEO of The Piece Hall and enjoy a supportive recording from West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin. 

Other guest talks and speakers include:  

  • Psychosocial, body image and wellbeing outcomes from strength and resistance training during perimenopause with Dr Nova Deighton-Smith PhD, CPsychol, BSc – Chartered Health Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Psychology;
  • Sleep Management in the Menopause with Dr Nicola Stenberg MSc MA MBPsS – School Director of Executive Education;
  • Nutrition Tips for improved Peri and Menopausal Women with Anne Clark – a nutritional therapist;
  • Workplace Legal Support for Peri and Menopausal Women with Emily Walker – Associate Solicitor at Ramsdens Solicitors LLP specialising in Employment Law and Commercial Litigation;
  • What to expect in the Peri and Menopausal Phase of Life! with Dr Teodora Draghici MRCGP DRCOG 2003 Cluj-Napoca MD MRCEM – GP with advanced training in perimenopause and menopause, Hebden Bridge Group Practice;
  • The Mental Power of the Positivity Planner with Sarah Banks – Director of Sarah Banks Coaching and Author of the Menopause Positivity Planner;
  • Rock Climbing and Peri and Menopausal Support at ROKT with Katie Kinsella – Director for Community & Business Engagement ROKT Foundation 

Menopause education is not just important for women, but also for their partners and family, therefore the event is open to all who are looking to learn more about this pivotal life change.

The aim is for partners and family members to come away with a better understanding of what their loved ones are going through and provide appropriate support.

    Liz Kenny, the creator of Menopause Live, said: “Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of reproductive life for women. It is a time of significant changes in a woman’s body and can often cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms.  

    “Unfortunately, despite being a natural process, menopause is still widely misunderstood and stigmatised. As a result, many women are not always prepared for the changes that occur during this time, leading to confusion and anxiety.

    “But at the same time, menopause shouldn’t be feared. It can be managed well if you have the right support tools in place. I want everyone who is attending to leave feeling prepared, empowered and ready to embrace this new stage in life.”  

    Speaking of menopause being brought to the forefront in mass media, Liz adds: “I welcome the discussions about menopause in the media. I want it to be something people are sick of hearing about because more debate will result in a wider and deeper understanding.

    “It’s just a normal part of life and being educated sooner about the menopause will make us all more empathetic to those around us and what they might be going through.” 

    Tickets are available to purchase online priced at £39 for the day from menopauselive.co.uk – Click here