For many women, menopause can feel isolating. Symptoms, changes in confidence and the pressures of everyday life can make it difficult to prioritise wellbeing or seek support. In Brightlingsea, Essex, the Menopause Wellbeing Studio was created to offer a space where women can focus on their own wellbeing. Founded by menopause coach and functional breathwork coach Julie Court, the studio offers breathing and movement sessions, individual menopause coaching, guest events and a free monthly Menopause Community Drop-In.
Julie says the idea for the studio grew from years of supporting women through perimenopause and menopause.
“Ever since I started supporting women I’ve offered free support sessions. I believe everyone should be able to access trustworthy support and have the time and space to talk about how they’re feeling. Over the years, I’ve met other professionals with different specialisms who share that commitment. I wanted to create a space where that support could come together under one roof. That became the Menopause Wellbeing Studio in Brightlingsea.”
Creating an accessible and welcoming space was important from the start.
“Keeping it small was important to me. Walking into a room full of people you don’t know can be daunting, especially when you’re already dealing with anxiety, low mood or struggling to motivate yourself to leave the house. You can turn up here feeling your worst and you don’t have to explain yourself. People get it.”
The studio offers a variety of sessions designed to support women at different stages of their menopause journey. One of the most popular is Rebellious Rest.
“At Rebellious Rest, you lie down on a mat, snuggle under your blanket and let me guide you towards a deep sense of rest through gentle breathing and awareness of sensations in your body. We work on everyday breathing habits alongside techniques women can use when anxiety, panic or overwhelm hits. These can support relaxation and sleep too, so there’s something to take home and use beyond the session.”
Guests have described the sessions as an opportunity to slow down and prioritise themselves.
“I can never switch off that quickly & I suppose I could do this at home but I’d just never prioritise the time.”
“I believe we could all benefit from these sessions. I came away feeling very relaxed, that floaty feeling you get from a massage”
A key part of the Menopause Wellbeing Studio is creating opportunities for women to connect with others who understand what they are experiencing.
“You might think you’re the only person feeling a certain way. Then someone says it out loud and suddenly there are other women saying ‘Yes, me too’. That recognition can be a huge relief. People share experiences, offer practical ideas and encourage each other.”
That sense of connection is something many women value.
As part of the Women and Girls Like Us campaign, encouraging women to find enjoyable ways to move is an important message. Julie has seen many women benefit from becoming more active, while recognising that progress looks different for everyone.
“For one woman, simple changes to her everyday eating helped her feel she had more energy for the gym and she was soon achieving personal bests again. For someone else, progress might be getting out of the house for a walk or finding a gentle movement session they actually want to attend.”
While acknowledging that menopause can be difficult, Juile believes it can also be a time to build confidence, prioritise your own needs and discover what helps you feel good.
“Menopause is so often discussed negatively. It might not be pretty at times and I wouldn’t dismiss how difficult it can be but this can also be an incredibly powerful stage of life. I think of it as shaking off some of the expectations you’ve carried for years and making more room for what you want. Taking your own needs seriously. Building confidence. Discovering what makes you feel good and giving yourself permission to make time for it.”
At the Menopause Wellbeing Studio, that support comes through movement, conversation, rest and community, reminding women that they do not have to navigate menopause alone. As Julie puts it:
“You can turn up here feeling your worst and you don’t have to explain yourself. People get it.”
For World Menopause Day, Julie wants women to know that there is no one way to navigate menopause and no one has to face it alone. Through movement, conversation, rest and support, the Menopause Wellbeing Studio is helping women make time for themselves and connect with others who understand what they are experiencing.
Julie Court is founder of the Menopause Wellbeing Studio at Foresters Hall, 13 Sydney Street, Brightlingsea. For current dates, session details and booking information, visit their website here!
