AN INFORMAL support network talking about the menopause has proved popular among Isle of Wight women.

Gaining more than 17,000 social media followers in under four months, Menopause Isle of Wight shows no sign of stopping in its mission to support and help menopausal women by encouraging them to share their experiences.

Menopause Isle of Wight was started on Facebook and Instagram in August by Stefanie Oliphant, after she started sharing her own menopause story with women she met.

She found no specific support network where women could get together and talk about how menopause is affecting them.

Stefanie said: “Women had started sharing their stories about their own menopausal experience with me, so I set up regular Chatty Thing sessions to help them get together in a friendly manner to talk.

"Chatty Thing take place at venues around the Island and offer a space for women to openly chat with other menopausal women. It is very informal and there is no agenda or advice, just a chance for them to meet up.”

On December 10, Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely went along to meet Stefanie and other menopausal women at a Chatty Thing meeting in Newport.

Stefanie said: “As Menopause Isle of Wight has grown I have seen there is definitely a greater need for support for menopausal women on the Island.

"My aim is to continue expanding the support network and signpost people to information and help regarding menopause, both for menopausal women and those around them who may also be affected. Watch this space!”

Got to Menopause IOW on Instagram @menopause_iow and Facebook Menopause IsleofWight