An event aimed at educating women about perimenopause is set to be ‘‘a bloody good night’’.
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at St Joseph’s School in Pleasant Point has found a new way to raise funds.
The school’s upcoming Pause and Empower event was the brainchild of school mum Sarah Denton.
Mrs Denton had attended an event in Christchurch a few years ago, where she had seen Meredith Wiseman speaking about perimenopause.
Ms Wiseman had worked as a gynecology nurse and midwife but was now the creator of Making Menopause Marvellous.
Mrs Denton said the night was ‘‘really motivating, empowering and inspiring’’.
What had begun with wanting to bring the speaker to South Canterbury had snowballed into a night of entertainment.
The event, to be held at the Pleasant Point Golf Course, will also include presentations from Kate Ivey — also known as Dedikate — who has a fitness programme designed for peri-and post-menopausal women.
Fashion retailer Sophie Preen will speak about empowering clothing choices, and Tash Clemens from Temuka Pharmacy will talk about supplements and pharmaceutical care.
Mrs Denton knew a lot more about perimenopause than she did as a younger adult — like the fact it could start any age after 35.
Because it was a topic ‘‘noone really wants to delve into,’’ the night offered a chance to normalise things.
Co-organiser Trish More said people did not really know what their mothers were going through.
‘‘You didn’t really talk about it.’’
However, people were more willing to talk about it now, to make the journey more manageable.
She said teenagers had classes about puberty, and yet women were expected to go into a new phase of life with no information.
The event would include a question and answer session at the end of the night.
Mrs Denton said there would be catering which she said would be ‘‘healthy-ish’’.
Audience members would receive a goody bag which had been carefully gathered by the organisers.
‘‘We didn’t want a random bag of free stuff.’’
Anyone wanting information about the event, or support, could call the school on (03) 614-7202.
Money raised will go to towards school camps, helping to reduce the financial burden on families.
