HELPING women through the menopause is the aim of a new support group in York.

Sessions begin on Wednesday January 9, from 10am-12noon, and will run for eight weeks, with eight spaces available.

Experts including a GP, alternative therapists and fitness and wellbeing practitioners will be invited along to speak to women on a range of issues connected to the menopause, including the pros and cons of taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

For the majority of women, the menopause occurs between 45 and 55 years of age when their periods cease and oestrogen levels decline. Many will experience symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping and low mood among others.

The support group has been set up to give women an opportunity to share their experiences with others and gain up-to-date information and help.

The sessions will take place at women's project Kyra, Central Methodist Church, St Saviourgate, and follow the success of a pilot group earlier this year.

Project leader Melanie Elkan said: "The women learned an awful lot, not just about symptoms, but it was an opportunity for them to discuss how they were feeling and to realise that a lot of that was to do with the menopause rather than themselves."

Organisers are planning to run more support groups later in 2019.

Melanie said the support groups were a unique and much-needed initiative and were open to any woman facing the menopause or going through it. She said: "You don't have to be in the menopause, you may just want to find out more information about it."

The workshop is free and funded by the City of York Council.

To book place, email: contact@kyra.org.uk or activities@yorkmind.org.uk.