Sheffield Theatres and Big Imaginations Network, in partnership with Sensible Creative, is proud to announce the launch of Writing the r(Age), a pioneering project designed to support writers navigating the challenges of the menopause.

When writer Rachel Barnett-Jones began experiencing crushing brain fog and aphasia (the loss of ability to understand or express speech) as symptoms of peri-menopause, she thought her career was over. "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!” Following conversations with other writers she began to realise she was not alone.

A small WhatsApp group was born and has grown into a community of over 30 writers, whose conversations inspireda pair of resource packs to ensure menopause does not force talented writers out of their careers.

The free resource packs are supported by the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM), The Society of Authors, the Film and TV Charity, and a host of leading UK theatres, and provide practical solutions for both individuals and organisations:

• For Writers: Guidance on self-compassion, managing fluctuating energy, and adopting flexible schedules
• for all writers including but not limited to publishing, stage, screen, and audio.
  
• For Industry Professionals: Practical advice on providing "cognitive accommodations" such as written meeting summaries, clear briefs, and flexible deadlines to create a safe, inclusive working environment.

Sheffield Theatres will host the launch of Writing the r(Age) with an in-person event at the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse on Wednesday 25 February. Starting at 2pm a key note speech and Panel Discussion including Rachel Barnett-Jones, local theatre maker Imogen Ashby, menopause expert Emma Wee and artist health expert Lucy Heyman, and others to be announced. The team will introduce the documents, opening a dialogue with the audience about proposed adjustments and personal experiences. This is followed at 5.15pm by a Writing Workshop which delves into the fun we can have with the accidental surrealism that aphasia can bring – for those with menopausal symptoms and without. Those interested in staying are also invited to book for Dry Bits – a one woman rallying cry that explores similar themes of mid-life and change, in the Playhouse at 7pm.

Deborah Dickinson, Creative Development Director, says "At Sheffield Theatres, we are committed to supporting artists at every stage of their career. Writing the r(Age) is a vital intervention that addresses a significant but often overlooked barrier in the creative industries. By hosting this launch alongside Dry Bits, 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."

Rachel Barnett-Jones, writer and founder of Sensible Creative, says “Peri-menopause hits differently for everyone, for me it felt like, overnight, my brain had stopped being my brain. Not only had my ability to form coherent sentences ground to a halt but all the words, structures and stories that had previously been really easy to access, had been replaced with a ball of white-hot rage and anxiety. This state of affairs was not at all conducive to being able to carry on working in a fast-paced creative freelance career.”

After the launch the resource packs will be available for free from the Sensible Creative website.