The New Forest is about to welcome its first ever Menopause Café.

The discussion group is aimed at breaking down the stigma around menopause and increasing awareness of the impact menopause can have.

It's open to all ages and genders and topics of conversation are chosen by participants.

The meeting will be held in the coffee shop at the Otter Garden Centre, Milford Road, Lymington on Saturday October 21, from 10am to 12pm. 

Organiser Helen Dennett said: "I don’t remember puberty being a problem to me, yet I remember so many conversations and lessons in school relating to it. 

"Menopause is puberty’s nastier, older, ugly sister, and generally we only want talk about the Princesses. 

"Well, I’m want to change that for others.

"I heard about the Menopause Café movement and thought it was a fantastic idea so I registered to become the host for the whole New Forest South area. 

"I’m looking for other venues across the region, ideally I’d like to be able to host a Café every month, moving between five or six venues."

The Menopause Café movement started in Scotland in 2017 and has since spread worldwide, with volunteers now hosting pop-up events in the UK, Bahrain, Mexico, USA, Austria and India.

The charity also organises an annual Menopause Festival, #FlushFest, which this year will be held in Edinburgh and online on September 8 and 9. 

Rachel Weiss, founder of the Menopause Café charity, said: "The Menopause Café is for everyone who wants to talk about the menopause, to share their stories, experiences and questions - all made that little bit easier with tea and cake. 

"Unfortunately, there is a stigma that people should just ‘get on with’ menopause, with some never talking to their friends or family about it. 

"People can come along and just listen, or join the discussions, and leave with a clearer sense of the impact of menopause on those who are experiencing it, alongside their families and friends."

Booking for the café event is essential. For more information, visit http://www.menopausecafe.net or email Helen at menopausecafenfsouth@gmail.com