As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting all members of the community, Mid Devon Leisure is creating a more supportive environment for those going through menopause; helping them continue to lead active and healthy lifestyles.

Mid Devon Leisure aims to provide a supportive, informative environment where women can learn about managing menopause symptoms, lifestyle changes, and the latest research. It hopes to offer women the tools they need to understand menopause and improve their quality of life, while remaining active leisure users.

To achieve this, Mid Devon Leisure is introducing Menopause Champions across its facilities. These champions won’t be menopause experts, but they will receive training to provide support, design fitness programmes specifically for women going through menopause, and guide them towards the resources and help they may need.

Free menopause education sessions, open to anyone, are also being hosted at Exe Valley Leisure Centre, Tiverton on Thursday 17 and Saturday 19 October.

To further support women experiencing menopause symptoms, each leisure centre will be stocking specific products to ensure women can exercise comfortably.

Councillor Josh Wright, Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement, said:

“Our goal is to create an atmosphere where all women, regardless of what stage of life they’re in, feel comfortable using our facilities. This is an important mantra for us to create an inclusive and supportive culture.

“We are not just fitness; we are health and fitness!”

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Mid Devon Leisure is hosting menopause education sessions for free at Exe Valley Leisure Centre, open to all (you don’t have to be a member!) and led by Amantha King, a renowned Menopause Consultant.

The education sessions will provide attendees with an understanding of menopause, from symptom management and relationship advice to the benefits of exercise and mental health strategies. Attendees will also gain insights into the physical and emotional aspects of menopause, including how to identify symptoms, seek appropriate medical support, and make lifestyle adjustments that can significantly improve quality of life.

Two education sessions are being held: taking place on Thursday 17 October, from 7pm to 9pm, and Saturday 19 October, from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Spaces are limited, so early registration to secure your spot is encouraged – you can do so by contacting Exe Valley Leisure Centre, either in person or on 01884 234 900. Online booking will be available from 7 days before each session.

Nick Dean, Fitness Duty Manager at Exe Valley Leisure Centre, said:

“Amantha King is a member of ours and brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to the conversation about menopause. We are thrilled to host her and provide a platform for this important topic, which affects so many in our community.”