Barnsley Libraries is excited to announce that it has been awarded £17,330 through the Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants for its new initiative ‘A New Chapter’. This funding will support an innovative programme aimed at enhancing the wellbeing and emotional resilience of the people of Barnsley who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
The project is designed to address the significant impact that perimenopause and menopause changes can have on people's physical and mental health. Often, individuals do not seek professional help due to stigma, fear, low confidence, or lack of awareness. This project aims to offer an alternative and accessible way for people to access information, advice, and guidance on how to cope and improve their quality of life.
The programme will be split into two parts:
- A qualified midlife coach Sue Copeland, with nearly 40 years of nursing experience, will be delivering sessions, where attendees will be invited to share their experiences, learn from each other and discuss topics such as common symptoms, sleep and more.
- A qualified and experienced instructor Sarah Wilson will deliver activity sessions, offering support through yoga, mindfulness and education. Topics will include anxiety, sleep, bone health, muscle loss, weight gain, hormonal balance, and hot flushes.
Both activities will be tailored to the participants’ needs, participation and abilities, and will be delivered in a friendly and comfortable setting.
Sessions are due to start on Saturday 4 January 2025 and will be delivered every Saturday at Library @ the Lightbox and Penistone Library for four weeks, before moving to Roundhouse, Royston, Goldthorpe and Hoyland libraries.
Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities and Public Health, said: “Barnsley Libraries continue to think outside the box and is bringing a programme that addresses often-overlooked challenges of perimenopause and menopause.
“This initiative will provide invaluable resources and support to those experiencing perimenopause and menopause, helping them to enhance their wellbeing and emotional resilience."
Luke Burton, Director, Libraries, Arts Council England, said: “We know how important the role of libraries is in the wellbeing of communities, and I’m pleased that we have been able to support this programme through our National Lottery Project Grants fund.
“I’m sure that participants will find the sessions invaluable in navigating the challenges of perimenopause and menopause.”
Barnsley Libraries is committed to improving the quality of life for its community members and is excited to embark on this new chapter with the support of the Arts Council England.
National Lottery Project Grants is the Arts Council’s open access programme for arts, museums, and libraries projects. The fund supports thousands of individual artists, community, and cultural organisations thanks to National Lottery investment.
To book your place, please visit Barnsley Libraries events page or keep an eye on Barnsley Libraries Facebook page for the latest updates.
