Raising the Menstrual Cycle

Raising the Menstrual Cycle

Research, Knowledge and Community

‘The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its heat.’ Nigerian Proverb

Raising the Menstrual Cycle is a workshop/series of workshops designed for the parents, carers, and organizations who are supporting children in both the preparation and early years of puberty, focusing specifically on the menstrual cycle. It has been created to bridge knowledge gaps, incorporate research, and explore ways to guide and support children during this significant life event. The workshops are designed for parents of children aged 6 +.

Raising the Menstrual Cycle has been created with a dual approach. On one hand it recognises that adults need guidance to reflect on their own menstrual cycle experiences and on the other hand, it works with parents in exploring ways to approach individualised support for their child.

Menarche (the first period) is a pivotal moment in a person's life. The way it is approached, experienced and supported can shape one's self-esteem, confidence and body literacy. A positive experience at menarche can be empowering and long term, can lead to improved health outcomes.

Parenting this milestone can present challenges. With research showing that menstrual attitudes are often inherited, combined with an absence of sound menstrual education and society's insistence that menstruation is hidden, it's no wonder parents are unsure how to initiate change.  If we want to improve outcomes for our children we not only have to revisit our menstrual understanding (and gaps in knowledge), we also need to consider our bias and the deeply embedded menstrual narrative.

Raising the Menstrual Cycle recognises that not all who have a menstrual cycle are women and girls and that not all women and girls have a menstrual cycle.

Themes covered:

  • What do our children want and need to know about the menstrual cycle

  • Shame and stigma

  • How is menarche experienced in our society and in other cultures

  • What menstrual education are your children already receiving

  • What is happening to the menarche body

  • Early or Late

  • Anatomy and physiology

  • Cycles

  • Spiritual aspects and symbolism

  • What to expect

  • How can we prepare

  • Role models

  • Navigating the menstrual product market

  • Menstrual tracking

  • Sustainability

Grace Hempshall - Educator, Researcher and Facilitator

I have been both a student and an educator in the field of menstruation for a number of years. Most recently achieving a Masters level (with Distinction) in Contemporary Menstrual Studies from Dr Lara Owen, a leading academic and pioneer in the menstrual field. I am commencing a second year of study with Dr Owen in March 2025. My recent research includes a researching what happens at menarche to children who are raised within British institutions.

Research shows that parental/caregiver engagement in their childrens menstrual education goes some way to reduce the impact of menstrual stigma at menarche. However, there remains little to support parents guiding their children through this milestone. Raising the Menstrual Cycle has been formed to bridge this gap along with evidence based-research, knowledge and community.

Joining Raising Menstruation

There a number of ways you can join one of the RtMC programmes.

Two in person workshops are taught in Frome (at Rise), in Spring and Autumn each year (6 hours). You can join the wait list for the next workshop here

You can join a group online programme (£80 per person). Online sessions run for 1.5 hours over 4/5 weeks. You can join the waitlist for the next session or if you have your own group formed (no more than 6 per group), please do get in touch here.

If you wish to have a 1:1 space, this can be booked here (£200)

Previous attendee comments:

“Top marks for a really positive and thought provoking workshop. I found it so useful and cannot recommend it highly enough to fellow parents.”

“Grace’s extensive knowledge is combined beautifully with her compassionate and inclusive approach.”

“I feel much better prepared, on so many levels, to support my daughters through menarche. I will be able to approach this time with much more peace of mind and compassion”.



Contact Grace at raisingmenstruation@gmail.com