A three-hour menopause awareness evening session delivered by Anne McGale RGN, Menopause Awareness Trainer, has drawn strong community interest in Ballycastle, as local organisations continue to place women’s health and wellbeing firmly on the agenda.
The event was organised through the Northern Area Community Network in collaboration with McQuillans Camogie and Hurling Club, with additional support from the local Credit Union. Held at Ballyroan Parish Centre, Ballycastle, the session welcomed around 30 female participants from across the surrounding area.
The workshop formed part of a growing programme of community menopause education and women’s health awareness initiatives taking place across Northern Ireland. Over the course of the evening, attendees explored the stages of perimenopause and menopause, common symptoms, lifestyle strategies and evidence-based approaches to managing hormonal change.
Anne McGale, a registered general nurse and specialist menopause awareness trainer, led the interactive session, providing practical guidance aimed at equipping women with reliable information before and during the menopausal transition.
Speaking after the event, Ms McGale said the strong turnout reflected an increasing demand for accessible menopause education at community level.
“Across Northern Ireland there is a growing recognition that women want clear, evidence-based information about menopause and perimenopause,” she said. “Community sessions such as this allow women to ask questions openly and gain the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.”
She added: “It was a pleasure to return to Ballycastle and work again with the Northern Area Community Network and McQuillans club. Their commitment to supporting women’s health within the community is making a real difference.”
Organisers said the partnership between sporting organisations, community groups and local financial institutions demonstrates how collaborative initiatives can deliver meaningful health education at grassroots level.
Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the session, with many praising the quality and relevance of the information provided.
One attendee commented: “The facilitator was excellent and very knowledgeable.”
Another participant noted the importance of early awareness, saying: “All women need to hear this information before they enter the perimenopause.”
A third review described the programme as empowering: “This course arms you with all the information and knowledge needed to make informed choices.”
The Ballycastle session reflects a wider shift across the region towards greater menopause awareness, workplace understanding and community support for women’s health. Organisers say similar events are expected to continue as demand grows for accessible education on menopause management and wellbeing.
Photo caption: Participants attend a menopause awareness evening with Anne McGale RGN, hosted at Ballyroan Parish Centre, Ballycastle, by the Northern Area Community Network and McQuillans Camogie and Hurling Club with support from the local Credit Union.
