Dorset Menopause Support
Community Interest Company
Company number: 15411037
A not-for-profit organisation
Offering support, guidance and education on perimenopause, menopause and the post menopausal years, throughout the South West.
How can we help you?
Do you need to talk to someone about menopause?
Are you struggling with symptoms and not sure what to do?
Want to know more about what happens to your hormones?
Are you confused and need help and support to determine what is going on?
Have you already tried talking to a healthcare professional about menopause?
Perhaps you've been told you're too young? Or too old? Or your symptoms are not related to menopause?
Is private menopause care simply not affordable?
Get help to prepare for your GP appointment so you can make informed shared decisions.
"I was at rock bottom, experiencing physical and psychological symptoms that impacted my confidence and career hugely, now I support others through their perimenopause and menopause"
My role is to walk alongside you, offering a listening ear and sharing the common ground of lived experience, truly understanding some of the challenges you may be facing.
It is a genuine privilege to hear women's personal stories, and everything shared with me is with the utmost confidentiality. Whilst I have completed several menopause training programmes, it isn't my place to diagnose or prescribe.
I will listen without judgement, creating a safe space to talk openly, I can share valuable resources, discuss options, connect you with other relevant support and provide emotional reassurance to compliment the care you receive from your GP or another health care provider.
My purpose is to offer support, guidance and a steady presence when you need it most. For more information please head to the 'About' page.
Listen to a recent podcast with Rowan Chambers and Mr Tim Hillard on menopause support, and holistic & individualised care in collaboration with Dorset Women CIC and NHS Dorset
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Funded One to One Consultations 2026
We believe that nobody should feel like they have nowhere to turn during menopause. Due to some recent funding from the SWPA Community Benefit Fund with Magna Housing and Child Okeford W.I. we can offer a small number of fully funded one to one consultations to women who are experiencing financial hardship.
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*Are you self employed?
*On a low income?
*In a financial deficit?
*Receiving supplement to your income?
*Receiving benefits of any kind?
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If this would opportunity would benefit you or someone you may know in the community please get in touch via email at dorsetmenopause@gmail.com
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Join our Facebook Support Group page
Click on the icon below to join the Dorset Menopause Support private group on Facebook. Posts show regular updates on the latest menopause news, helpful tips and information on symptoms. Connect with others as well as being able to ask questions at any time.
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You can also get all the information and updates on events that we run regularly, including Information Evenings and popular 'Menopause Walk and Talk' meet ups (followed by refreshments and more chat!) We encourage our members to host walks in their own neighbourhood or share their favourite walk with others. It's a great way to improve motivation for exercise while building strong friendships and lasting social connections in person.
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We are so proud that the work we do has been recognised, appreciated and supported by the National Lottery Awards for All Community Fund.
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We would like to thank National Lottery players for their support, which has made some of our work and projects within the community possible.
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Awards for All Community Fund
Dorset Menopause Support CIC Committee Members
We are a small group of dedicated volunteers who passionately support women through all stages of menopause. We offer Menopause Information and Support group meetings for women in Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton and Gillingham. All board members are from the local communities with a shared investment in women's health.
The Menopause Information and Support Group Meetings have continued to be an essential service for women of all ages and stages of menopause, providing a safe and welcoming space for women to meet, share experiences and gain valuable information. The introduction of themed talks and guest speakers has proved popular and this support within the community and education provided is thriving and growing in attendance.
We offer a safe and friendly place for women who feel distressed, confused and alone when menopausal or those who are looking for more information on perimenopause, menopause and the post menopausal years. Women can share experiences, gaining strength and comfort by meeting others experiencing a similar change in life and challenges with the menopause transition. They emerge with positive solutions, evidence-based information and new friends, and they are not facing this challenge on their own.
Dorset Menopause Support fundamentally helps more women reach their full potential, by raising awareness and supporting them at the earliest stage. Dorset Menopause Support works on a preventative approach to health, encouraging women to address their lifestyle choices in midlife, including nutrition, stress, sleep, exercise and approaching their GP for appropriate treatment.
The team goes into the North Dorset communities to raise awareness by attending health events, holding social, health and wellbeing events and running fundraising events, always listening and learning from their interactions. We strongly believe that nobody should feel like they have nowhere to turn for help during the challenges of menopause.
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If you'd like to know more about us and how to volunteer with us please head to the 'About' page
Award as Recognition for Outstanding Volunteering Contribution
We are so proud to receive the Andy Jacobs' Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing at the Volunteer Centre Dorset Celebration Event in October 2025. This award was presented to Rowan Chambers and Dorset Menopause Support CIC as recognition of their outstanding volunteering contribution.
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It was a fantastic evening with Dorset Volunteer Centre to celebrate the amazing work that goes on all around Dorset from some truly inspirational people and there was a wonderful atmosphere of pure appreciation and gratitude for all the teams, organisations and individuals that attended. Time was spent with friends and new connections were made.
Importantly it has raised the awareness of the menopause support we offer which is just fantastic, as even a visit to our website can offer so much help to someone who is struggling and feeling alone and confused or needs to access more information about menopause. We feel so proud of the support we offer and to be recognised for this is just incredible, so thank you to everyone who nominated Dorset Menopause Support CIC for this award.
Would you like to volunteer for Dorset Menopause Support?
We are looking for volunteers who can support the current work we do and also volunteers to set up new Menopause Information and Support Meetings in their community to enable us to reach more women across the South West. We can offer help in setting up your group, provide resources for your meetings and training if necessary.
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Please contact dorsetmenopause@gmail.com for more information
Fully Funded Strength and Conditioning Programme
in connection with Information and Support Meetings during 2026
We are delighted to be able to offer this funded programme for a second year due to our supportive funders at SWPA and Magna Housing. This is a wonderful opportunity for women to participate in a fully funded 12 week programme to improve muscle strength and tone, enhancing bone health, which is so important as we age from midlife and into older age. Helping to maintain independent living, reducing risk of Osteoporosis and frailty in the longer term.
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This programme will also improve mobility, stamina, fitness, metabolism, cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing. It is run by senior employees of RiversMeet Active Centre in Gillingham, and as well as being experienced instructors, they have undertaken specialist training in Menopause Movement.
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Fully funded for two 12 week programmes throughout 2026 by SWPA Community Benefit Fund with Magna Housing.
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To be eligible for this opportunity, women need to attend a Menopause Information and Support Meeting or a One to One Consultation to gain knowledge and understanding around holistic menopause care and nutrition which compliments this programme. Email dorsetmenopause@gmail.com to register.
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More details including photo's on our Events page.
The future of the CIC
We have been offering support, guidance and education on menopause locally, to all residents, small businesses, organisations and health care professionals to raise awareness and help early diagnosis.
From January 2024 'Dorset Menopause Support' has become a Community Interest Company, so it can further benefit the communities within Dorset, South Somerset and South Wiltshire.
We would like to develop a Menopause Centre of care in the form of converting one of the outbuildings at Stourhill Farm into a designated space, so we can continue to offer support in a secluded and peaceful setting.
With the opportunity to apply more widely for funding this could also include a bursary fund for women who need to access Menopause Specialist advice and treatment quickly.
I realise only too well that many women are still struggling to receive the treatment and care they need. The current waiting times after a referral to a Menopause Specialist Clinic on the NHS are between 5 months and up to 2 years. I find this unacceptable, as some women develop intrusive or suicidal thoughts, so felt the need to act. Developing a Menopause Centre of care will also enable more group meetings to take place, and it would accommodate visits from other therapists providing a fully holistic approach to menopause care.
Click on the link below if you would like to support our cause via our JustGiving page or contact us directly at dorsetmenopause@gmail.com
Free Easyfundraising! While you shop online!
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Did you know that you can now support Dorset Menopause Support CIC every time you shop online? We're excited to announce that we have registered with Easyfundraising, a fantastic online platform that enables you to raise free donations with every purchase you make.
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With over 8000 participating retailers, ranging from your weekly food shop at Tesco, booking a holiday with Booking.com, Friday night takeaway with JustEat, ordering goods from Amazon or Etsy, and even taking out insurance on Compare the Market, there's something for everyone!
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It only takes a minute to sign up and make a difference. Join us here at www.easyfundraising.org.uk or use the QR code to take you straight to our cause page.​​
Supported by Community Action Network
CAN have been instrumental in the setting up and development of Dorset Menopause Support as a Community Interest Company and we are truly grateful for all of the advice and training they have provided and continue to provide as we progress.
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CAN helps to empower VCS organisations to deliver high quality services sustainably
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Enhance collaboration and influence to improve community wellbeing
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Increase volunteer engagement and positive impact
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Strengthen the VCS infrastructure through member led leadership
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Promote equity, diversity and inclusion
'You will see us being collaborative, compassionate and inspirational, and acting with integrity and respect'