The prolific theatre writer, Rachel Barnett-Jones, has created resource packs to support writers navigating the challenges of menopause.
The resource is part of the project, ‘Writing the r(Age)’, which has been designed to support writers’ struggle with menopausal symptoms with an in person event to be held in the Crucible.
Mrs Barnett-Jones, 44, writer and founder of Sensible Creative, said: “In a creative job in a saturated market, it’s easy to feel isolated and like you can’t share any vulnerabilities with the people you are working with.
“Projects like this make it easier and essential to bring our whole selves to the job – because it’s writers’ vulnerabilities that make us great writers – so it’s important to create structures in which we are empowered to be honest.”
The resource packs will be available for free from the Sensible Creative website, after Rachel herself experienced debilitating symptoms of peri-menopause, like crushing brain fog and aphasia (the loss of ability to understand or express speech).
She said: “Suddenly not being able to focus or find words, the skill which sits at the very heart of everything I do, made me feel like I’d never be able to work again.”
Deborah Dickinson, Creative Development Director, said: “This project is a vital intervention that addresses a significant but often overlooked barrier in the creative industries. We hope to lead the way in fostering a more inclusive and sustainable environment, one where menopause doesn’t mean the end of a creative career, but a transition that is met with practical support and understanding.”
Mrs Barnett-Jones said: “I hope that people will have an interesting and enjoyable afternoon and the panel discussion promises to be really interesting and shed light onto aspects of a writer’s journey through menopause and the support that should be available to them.
“The free workshop will be really fun and unusual – we’re going to be harnessing the power of brain fog to create surprising pieces of writing. And if you’re staying for the show, Dry Bits, in the evening then you are in for a real treat.
“Plus, we’re launching something brand new and hopefully industry changing which will make a positive impact on the lives of so many writers and other creatives.”
The event will take place at Sheffield Theatre on February 25th, available to book tickets here.