Warwickshire Communities Explore Menopause Through Creative Library Project
A unique project commissioned by Warwickshire Libraries uses textile art to share experiences, reduce stigma, and preserve personal stories.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of colourful, textured textile art pieces arranged together, depicting abstract patterns and interwoven threads.
Communities across Warwickshire are sharing their experiences of menopause through a creative project commissioned by Warwickshire Libraries, aiming to spark conversations and reduce stigma.
Women across Warwickshire are contributing to a unique creative project, commissioned by Warwickshire Libraries, that explores their experiences of menopause. The initiative aims to foster open conversations, diminish societal stigma, and document personal narratives for future generations.
Funded by Arts Council England, the project involved volunteers from Escape Arts examining historical documents at the Warwickshire County Record Office. They researched past understandings of women's health and menopause, which inspired a county-wide programme connecting local history with contemporary experiences.
Warwickshire Libraries partnered with Escape Arts and Menopause Knowledge CIC to deliver creative workshops. These sessions were designed to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and provide a platform for women and individuals affected by menopause to share their personal journeys.
Participants from various locations including Nuneaton, Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, and Leamington Spa gathered to reflect on their experiences, discuss challenges and opportunities related to menopause, and gain insights from others' stories.
These discussions have culminated in the creation of Thread Through Menopause, a collection of collaborative textile artworks. This community artwork captures individual voices while celebrating shared experiences. The completed exhibition is set to tour Warwickshire Libraries throughout 2027.
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"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."
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"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."
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"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 highlighted at Freedom to Flourish Stratford 2026, a World Menopause Day event organised by Menopause Knowledge CIC on Sunday 18 October 2026, from 9am to 6pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.
This event will feature expert speakers, wellbeing practitioners, and community organisations discussing menopause awareness. A key moment will be the unveiling of the Thread Through Menopause artwork, offering attendees their first glimpse of the collaborative piece inspired by women's experiences across the county.
Warwickshire Libraries will be present to celebrate participants' achievements, support ongoing discussions about menopause, and emphasise the crucial role libraries play in promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and community connection.
