Dorset Menopause Support (DMS) provides accessible, community based information and wellbeing support for women experiencing all stages of perimenopause and menopause. We support women aged 26 to 80+, offering in person Menopause Information and Support Groups currently in Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton, Gillingham, Blandford, Sherborne, Wimborne and Dorchester.

Our services include one to one support, couples’ guidance (funded sessions available), and educational talks delivered across Dorset. In response to community feedback, we also run Menopause Walk and Talk events, a Wild Swimming Group, a Strength Training Programme, and a members only Facebook community. Our website hosts free, evidence based resources, and our Facebook group offers a safe space for women to ask questions and share experiences.

We raise awareness throughout Dorset by attending health events and delivering social, wellbeing and fundraising activities. DMS supports women directly, but our work also benefits families, employers, community organisations and marginalised groups by improving understanding of menopause and its impact on daily life.

DMS support women of all ages with all aspects of hormone health in PMDD/perimenopause/postmenopause. The physical and psychological challenges caused by hormonal shifts can cause huge distress and mental health issues. We address the inequality in women's healthcare directly with support we offer, which is currently very limited within statutory services. Education around menopause, particularly its psychological effects is essential but most GPs receive very limited or no formal training in menopause care, and the current waiting time for referral to the menopause clinic (Poole Hospital) is approximately 13/14 months.

This leaves women without timely support during a period of heightened vulnerability. ONS states suicide rates among women between the ages of 45 - 64 in Dorset have risen to their highest levels since 1994. The average age of menopause is 51. Further data indicates a growing concern regarding the mental health of menopausal women with 77% not seeking support (Grassroots Suicide Prevention). These figures underline the importance of early intervention, community based support, and improved access to menopause provision.

Our volunteers all have lived experience of perimenopause or menopause, giving them deep understanding, empathy and insight into the challenges women face. Each has previously been supported by Dorset Menopause Support and is now committed to helping others through the same journey. They have the opportunity for menopause expert training from DMS as volunteers. They bring valuable professional backgrounds that strengthen the support we offer, including mental health first aid, workplace menopause champion roles, nursing, CBT therapy, nutrition, wellbeing coaching, exercise coaching and counselling. This combination of lived experience and relevant expertise makes them uniquely equipped to deliver safe, informed and compassionate support to women experiencing menopause.

Over five years, DMS has consistently seen that women need two things above all: accurate information and reassurance. Many feel isolated, unsure whether what they are experiencing is normal, are desperate for practical solutions rather than long waiting lists. Our role is to intervene early—providing support, guidance, and evidence based resources—so women do not reach breaking point in their lives.

We realise only too well that many women are still struggling to receive the treatment and care they need so felt the need to act. I am hoping that developing a menopause centre of care in the community, will not only provide a much shorter waiting time to seek specialist advice but also much more affordable than many private clinics, through fundraising events and grants when available.

DMS needs support to create this hub and continue to recruit and train dedicated volunteers.