Women across Warwickshire are sharing their experiences of menopause through a unique creative project commissioned by Warwickshire Libraries, helping to spark conversations, reduce stigma and pre...
Women across Warwickshire are sharing their experiences of menopause through a unique creative project commissioned by Warwickshire Libraries, helping to spark conversations, reduce stigma and preserve personal stories for future generations.
The project, funded by Arts Council England through its National Portfolio Organisation programme, has brought together communities from across the county to explore how experiences and understanding of menopause have changed over time.
The initiative began at the Warwickshire County Record Office, where volunteers from Escape Arts delved into historical documents, records and personal narratives to uncover how women's health and menopause were understood and discussed in previous generations. Their discoveries provided the inspiration for a county-wide programme connecting local history with contemporary experiences.
Warwickshire Libraries commissioned Escape Arts and Menopause Knowledge CIC to deliver a series of creative workshops designed to raise awareness, encourage conversation and create opportunities for women and people impacted by menopause, to share their own journeys.
Participants from across Warwickshire, including Nuneaton, Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick and Leamington Spa, came together to reflect on their experiences, discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with menopause, and gain insight into the stories of others.
These conversations have inspired the creation of a collection of striking collaborative textile artworks. Together, the pieces form Thread Through Menopause, a powerful community artwork that captures individual voices while celebrating shared experiences. The completed exhibition will tour Warwickshire Libraries throughout 2027.
Councillor Mike Bannister, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Resources and Internal Affairs, said:
"This project reflects Warwickshire Libraries' commitment to supporting health and wellbeing, celebrating local heritage and creating opportunities for people to connect through creativity and shared learning. Libraries are uniquely placed to bring communities together through conversation, creativity and shared experiences.
"Menopause affects countless individuals, families and communities, yet it has too often been misunderstood or overlooked. Through this project, participants have explored both historical and modern experiences of menopause, helping to build understanding, challenge stigma and encourage open conversations.
"Working in partnership with Escape Arts and Menopause Knowledge, Warwickshire Libraries has provided a welcoming space for people across the county to share their stories through creativity and connection. We look forward to showcasing the inspiring textile artworks in our libraries throughout 2027."
The project will be celebrated as part of Freedom to Flourish Stratford 2026, a major World Menopause Day event organised by Menopause Knowledge CIC, taking place on Sunday 18 October 2026 from 9am to 6pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon.
The event will bring together expert speakers, wellbeing practitioners, community organisations and residents from across Warwickshire for a day of information, support and discussion focused on menopause awareness. A key highlight will be the unveiling of the Thread Through Menopause artwork, giving visitors the first opportunity to view the collaborative piece inspired by the experiences and voices of women from across the county.
Warwickshire Libraries will be attending to celebrate participants' achievements, support ongoing conversations around menopause, and highlight the vital role libraries play in promoting wellbeing, inclusion and community connection.
For tickets to the event visit: Freedom to Flourish Stratford 2026 Tickets, Sunday 18 October