The program, named ‘Natural Pause’, is being run by Clare Brumby and aims to foster social connections among Halewood women through Deep Listening workshops, supporting their emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing.
It received £1,500 funding from our Halewood Community Fund, linked to the Hilton Grange developments in the town.
Deep Listening® practitioner Clare said: “‘Natural Pause’ responds to concerns about women’s health vulnerabilities in Knowsley, where life expectancy is lower than elsewhere in England*. Research has also linked climate change and pollution to early menopause and health risks**. The initiative aims to improve wellbeing by creating safe spaces for connection, raising awareness of healthcare access, and equipping women with Deep Listening techniques for self-care and resilience.”
The free project will run over six weekly sessions, for two hours per week during the daytime, in Finch Farm Woods. It will support 12 women experiencing perimenopause, menopause and post menopause.
Deep Listening® was developed by American musician Pauline Oliveros, movement artist Heloise Gould and poet and dream practitioner, Ione. It’s a transformative, healing and meditative practice, exploring the difference between the involuntary nature of hearing and the conscious nature of listening. Natural Pause is also supported by The Center for Deep Listening, New York.
Clare added: “Each session will include energy work, tai chi and qigong-based exercises, bodywork, breath exercises, vocalising, listening and dream work, alongside walking meditations, discussions and experience exchanges, journaling, and a sound bath to end the project.”
Anna Evans-Kerr, sales director for Redrow NW, said: “Natural Pause really stood out to us when we were deciding which groups to help with our community fund. It’s clear there will be numerous health and wellbeing benefits for participants, and it will also help them to develop new skills in a safe environment. I especially appreciate that this initiative will enhance women's environmental awareness and climate consciousness, as sustainability is a major focus for us at Redrow.”
To find out more or to join the workshops please email Clare Brumby on naturalpausehalewood@gmail.com
The money received by Natural Pause came from our £10,000 Halewood community fund that has been shared between 12 groups and good causes close to its Hilton Grange development.
Find further information on the homes at The Finches and Grace Fields.
* Source: 'Women in Merseyside area are most likely in UK to die young' - Liverpool Echo
** Source: Review article, ‘Impact of climate and environmental change on the menopause’ Maturitas and ScienceDirect.com, December 2023.
