Guten Tag! I am Dr Heather McKnight (PHD, Law) and the founder of Menopause and Mind, UK. I am moving to Berlin in May 2026 and founded Menopause and Mind in Brighton, UK three years ago. It is an inclusive group which focuses on care café meet ups and action research about Menopause and Mental Health.
I am gauging interest for a starting a similar space in Berlin. Our groups are inclusive and open to anyone experiencing mental health based struggles around the menopause transition regardless of gender identity. We run workshops with creative art activities, so you can talk or listen or just be. We work in a trauma informed way and find the groups are frequently neurodivergent, and adapt accordingly.
We have a vibrant network and have supported each other through some difficult times. The link between mental health and menopause is rarely recognised and many suffer in isolation and silence. Our spaces bring understanding, laughter and allow us to feel supported while it can sometimes feel like we are coming apart.
Everyone’s journey is unique and while we share stories and advice on what has worked for us there is no judgement or pressure. Every body and life time is unique and different things work for different people.
I try and keep the spaces ‘pay what you can’ and if there is enough interest will be running a few groups for free when I arrive. As I am currently learning German the initial groups will be in English with the opportunity to also act as a menopause language café where those new to Germany can learn useful terminology.
If you would find this interesting please email menominds@magneticideals.org
You can learn more about the UK network here and the themes we tackle: https://menoandmind.org/2025/04/29/menopause-and-mind-annual-report-2024-2025/
Our work responds directly to the growing need for accessible menopause support that goes beyond clinical provision, addressing isolation, emotional wellbeing, and the often-overlooked psychological impact of menopause. Through partnerships and research activity, Menopause and Mind has contributed to a wider understanding of how menopause intersects with issues such as housing, employment, and financial insecurity, helping to inform broader conversations and future policy and practice.
If this work is already happening I am more keep to collaborate than compete so please let me know about other groups where I could possibly help on contribute. Sending much care and compassion to all on in this transition!
Case Study: One of the most exciting projects we have been involved with is My Cinema Clinic: The Menopause, which is a documentary that will soon be released https://www.mycinemaclinic.com/ While the final footage of the documentary is not yet available you can see clips of our some of members been interviewed and we had a specific interview and walking session on the beach as one of our Menopause and Mind sessions (please see below).
As part of this collaboration, Menopause and Mind hosted a dedicated filmed session, including a seafront walk and open workshop. This created a supportive environment where participants could choose how to engage, through one-to-one interviews or by contributing their voices in a more informal group setting. This approach was particularly important in ensuring accessibility and consent, allowing individuals to share their experiences in ways that felt safe and appropriate to them.
Participants from our community were interviewed for the documentary, helping to amplify lived experiences of menopause that are often underrepresented. The project extends the impact of our work beyond direct participants, contributing to wider public awareness and dialogue around menopause and mental health.
Menopause and Mind 