How does a 'telephone workshop' work?
A telephone workshop is an easy alternative to attending a Menopause Support Programme workshop. Up to six women, probably from different geographical areas, ring a common telephone number at a set time each week, for up to six consecutive weeks. You are all on the line at the same time - like having a workshop over the telephone. Your Menopause Support Advisor welcomes you to each session and during the following weeks, takes you through the Menopause Support Programme, answering questions you may have and facilitating group discussion on the wide range of topics covered.
Listen to a demo workshop now
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Can I be anonymous?
Yes, we will only share first names and you can tell us the name you wish use.
What can I expect from the sessions?
Even though it may seem a bit strange at first to join a group over the telephone, you will very quickly recognise your fellow member's individual voices. You may feel able to say those embarrassing things that you wouldn't want to say face to face. By the end of the course though, you should have a supportive group of like-minded women and the knowledge from the Menopause Support Programme.
Is there a set format to each session?
Generally, yes. After welcomes and introductions, the Advisor runs through that week's topic. This is followed by group discussion and a relaxation or visualisation exercise. Each session lasts up to one and a half hours.
The sessions cover:
Week 1. What the menopause is; its symptoms and why it happens
Week 2. The 'pros' and 'cons' of HRT & practical self-help tips
Week 3. How foods, drinks and supplements can affect you
Week 4. The importance of exercise and how to regain body confidence
Week 5. Feelings, emotions and relationships at the menopause
Week 6. Complementary therapies and tips on how to mature gorgeously
What does the cost include?
The cost includes the Menopause Journal, a 60 page journal with comprehensive written information to supplement the telephone sessions, and a recording of each session (which will be kept confidential to the group members) as an easy to use download. You can then go over it again in your own time.
You simply pay for your own phone call. We use an 0845 number, and therefore all calls should be billed at a rate local to you (you may want to check this with your service provider). Alternatively, if you are ringing from outside the UK, the rate will be similar to a normal international call to the UK. Call costs will be shown on your phone bill in the same way as other calls.
Are the calls confidential?
At the start of each week all the women will be asked to commit to total confidentiality - "what's said in the group stays in the group". The sessions are recorded and made available exclusively to group members. It is a condition of participation in any 'phone-in' group that you agree to keep confidential, within the group, all personal information about any other group member. It is also a condition that you will keep confidential any recording of the group advice session, not playing or passing on any recording to any other person or otherwise publishing it outside the group.
Do I need to prepare for the telephone workshop?
Other than making sure you have your Menopause Journal and that you are in a quiet room where you won't be disturbed, that is all you need. You will need to turn off any other phones in your home. Some women like to have a paper and pen handy to make any extra notes. Others like to prepare the room they are speaking from with aromatherapy candles and a comfortable seat for the relaxation session at the end of each session.
What type of phone can I ring in on?
In order to keep a good sound quality for everyone on the call and give you easy access to the call, please do not use Skype, a mobile phone or speaker-phone facility. Please use a corded or high quality hands-free (DECT) telephone for the best result. If you have a two-line phone, please turn the second line ringer off.
What number do I ring?
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Please ring from your UK land-line 0845 868 9283 or +44 20 3411 4456 if you are ringing from outside the UK.
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(We are very sorry but we are unable to accept calls from anyone living outside the UK except other European Union countries, Norway and Switzerland.)
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Once you dial in you will be asked for your conference code which we will e-mail to you when we confirm your booking.
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You will then be asked your name.
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You will be welcomed on the call. If you are disconnected, simply ring again.
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Once you have been welcomed you may be asked to mute your phone, so you can hear us more easily, simply by pressing '#1'. When you want to speak, simply un-mute by pressing '#1' again.
Do I have to speak?
Everyone says their name (and, if you'd like to, where you live) at the beginning of the call. After that, sharing is a personal choice. Some share a lot while others choose to share very little. You may find that as the session progresses you warm to the group and feel you want to talk more about yourself. We aim to make the group as comfortable, supportive and safe for sharing as possible but of course you always have the right to keep quiet, if you wish.
Anyone wanting to speak will be invited to do so at various points through the call. Just say your name before you speak please.
What experience and training do Menopause Support Advisors have?
Our Advisors have completed comprehensive training on the Menopause Support Programme and each has her own personal menopause experience. They have extensive experience of working with, and supporting, women through the many transitions in a woman's life. Each Advisor has her own individual style, so it is important you read the words they have written and find the one that suits you. Whoever you choose all our Advisors aim to help you restore your sense of purpose, self-esteem, energy and confidence during this time in your life.
Should I see a doctor?
Although all the Menopause Support Advisors will do their best to help you, they are not medically qualified. Their advice and the information from the Menopause Support Programme is not a substitute for taking proper medical advice. If you have major or continuing concerns over your condition, we recommend that you consult your GP.