Salisbury Racecourse clinched The Non-Raceday Event Award at the RCA Showcase Awards, affirming its status as a versatile, year-round venue. Among their accomplishments, Salisbury Racecourse hosted a highly successful Menopause Walk & Talk in June 2023.
Recognizing the widespread impact of menopause and perimenopause affecting over 75% of women, with a quarter facing severe symptoms, Salisbury acknowledged the limited support available. The racing venue identified that many of its staff, both office-based and on race days, fell within these statistics.
During race days, the Owners and Trainers bar became a comforting space for individuals seeking solace or a listening ear. Staff would engage in conversations, often taking walks around the course to continue discussions and find respite. Emma Tranter, Salisbury Racecourse’s Marketing and Communications Manager, sparked an idea from these interactions.
Emma and the team pondered extending this sanctuary to the broader community while addressing the dearth of resources for menopausal women. The initiative aimed to introduce their unique space to new audiences on non-race days by:
- Hosting intimate workshops for staff and the wider community, fostering a safe and informative environment for women navigating menopause.
- Offering support, guidance, and discussions on how menopause impacts work and home life.
- Providing expert advice from women’s health professionals, followed by invigorating walks around the course to promote mental and physical well-being.
- Planning regular small events based on the success of the initial one.
Salisbury Racecourse curated a lineup featuring keynote speaker, The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, discussing the Menopause (Support and Services) Bill she was working on at the time whilst sharing personal experiences. Accompanying experts included a nutritional therapist and a yoga instructor specializing in women’s health.
The nutritional therapist highlighted dietary choices and breathing exercises to enhance bone health and alleviate anxiety, while the MP delved into the workplace implications of menopause. The event balanced laughter, tears, and a unanimous desire for continuity beyond a one-time meeting.
Subsequently, Salisbury organized seven ‘Talk & Walk’ events throughout the year, each focusing on different themes, such as a ‘Make-Up for Ladies’ Evening.’ Emma Tranter further contributed to Racing Home and engaged in a podcast through Simply Racing, spreading awareness and insights gleaned from their initiatives.
The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP said ‘One of the big challenges has always been that talking about the menopause has been seen as a big taboo. No more. Groups like the Menopause Talk & Walk at Salisbury Racecourse are tackling that head on, giving women a safe space to chat, ask questions and at the same time get out in the fresh air. We all know the importance of exercise, but that it can sometimes be difficult to motivate yourself on your own. The company and support of others who are going through similar experiences is invaluable. It has been great to see this initiative go from strength to strength, and I know what a help it has been toindividuals’
