Women across Coventry, Warwickshire, South Leicestershire and Northamptonshire are being encouraged to attend two free drop-in sessions designed to help them better understand the impact of perimenopause and menopause on their mental health and wellbeing.

The sessions are being hosted by Purple House Clinic Rugby, a private psychological health care clinic, following a new partnership with Time to Pause, an independent specialist menopause and women’s health clinic founded by GP and British Menopause Society Registered Menopause Specialist Dr Rebecca Jacques.

Dr Jacques has worked in the NHS for more than 19 years and combines her NHS role with providing specialist menopause and women’s health care through Time to Pause.

Dr Hayley Poole, chartered clinical psychologist, worked in the NHS from 1995 and has over 16 years’ experience in women’s health, providing specialist support for sexual pain disorders, psychosexual difficulties, and a wide range of related women’s health concerns.

She is dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to individual needs.

Taking place at Purple House Clinic Rugby in Davy Court, Castle Mound Way, Rugby, at 7pm on Tuesday, September 15 and at Stockton House on Rugby Road, Stockton, at 7pm on Tuesday, October 6, the informal sessions will provide women with the opportunity to learn more about the physical and emotional changes that can occur during perimenopause and menopause, ask questions in a relaxed environment, and find out where they can access expert support.

Dr Jacques established Time to Pause in 2023 to provide women with longer appointments and specialist support during perimenopause, menopause and throughout their wider women’s health journey. The clinic offers personalised, evidence-based care, both in person and online.

She said: “During my years as an NHS GP, I often found that ten-minute appointments simply weren’t enough for women experiencing the menopause transition. These conversations deserve time because every woman’s experience is different, and understanding the bigger picture is essential.

“At Time to Pause, appointments last between 45 minutes and an hour, giving women the time to discuss their symptoms, ask questions and receive a personalised treatment plan. Many menopause symptoms are closely linked, so taking the time to understand the whole picture is incredibly important.

“Many women going through the menopause transition can feel anxious or notice changes in their mood that affect relationships at home and at work.

“Our drop-in sessions with Purple House Clinic Rugby will be a gentle introduction to the changes that can happen during the menopause transition. We hope women will leave feeling more informed, more confident and knowing where to find support if they need it.

“Knowledge is power. Many women don’t know whether feeling anxious or low is a normal part of this stage of life or whether they should seek help. Women often put themselves last while looking after children, elderly parents and managing careers.

“When women understand what is happening to their bodies, they are better able to recognise when symptoms are part of the menopause transition and when they may need further assessment or treatment. No woman should have to struggle in silence.

“We want women to come along, hear about the biology and psychology behind these changes, ask questions in a supportive environment and leave knowing they are not alone.”

The sessions will include a relaxed presentation followed by plenty of time for questions and informal conversations with the team.

Founded in 2021, Purple House Clinic Rugby works with clients across Coventry, Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, offering services to children, adults and their families including psychological assessment and therapy, specialist assessments (educational and neurodiversity), occupational therapy and sensory assessments.

Led by experienced clinical psychologists Dr Hayley Poole and Dr Rachel Kemp, the clinic also delivers workshops for HR and management teams, alongside consultancy services to support the development and implementation of effective workplace policies focused on mental health, wellbeing, and neurodiversity.

Hayley, co-founder of Purple House Clinic Rugby, said: “These sessions are designed to be welcoming, friendly and completely informal. It is an opportunity for women to come along, listen, chat and access trusted advice.

“Many women can feel embarrassed about discussing perimenopause and menopause or may not know where to turn for reliable information. We want these sessions to provide reassurance as well as practical guidance.

“Our new partnership with Time to Pause is a natural extension of the holistic support we provide at Purple House Clinic Rugby. As we continue to grow, we are committed to helping people access the right support at the right time, and these events are another way of making expert advice more accessible within the community.” For further information about the drop-in sessions or Purple House Clinic Rugby, visit www.purplehouseclinic.co.uk or www.timetopause.co.uk.

Image: From left – Dr Rachel Kemp, Dr Hayley Poole and Dr Rebecca Jacques.