Sarah Middleton joined Derby County Community Trust’s Women’s Health Programme in January 2026 after struggling with her mental health and the symptoms of perimenopause.

At the time, Sarah felt overwhelmed and isolated, and said she no longer recognised herself. “I felt that I’d become so overwhelmed and I didn’t recognise the person that I saw in the mirror. I was just really isolating. I’d put on a lot of weight. I just wasn’t living to my full potential.”

The Women’s Health programme at Derby County Community Trust is designed to support women so they feel empowered to manage conditions such as endometriosis and menopause. This is done through educational workshops, exercise, mindfulness and by creating a safe space for women to come together and feel heard.

Determined to make a change, Sarah began attending regular exercise sessions on the programme and connecting with other women who were experiencing similar challenges.

The programme quickly became an important part of her routine, with yoga and pilates proving particularly beneficial for her mental health. 

She said: “With perimenopause, I wasn’t even able to go to the supermarket without feeling overwhelmed. It was just a really dark time for me, so the programme has really empowered me.”

For Sarah, the programme has helped her regain a sense of control over different areas of her life. She has been able to address her eating habits, access other health services and develop a greater understanding of her health and wellbeing.

She has also recently been diagnosed with ADHD, something she says had contributed to the challenges she was experiencing alongside perimenopause.

“The programme helped me in so many ways and aspects of my life that I’d lost control over. Before, I’d kind of given up on my health.”

One of the biggest changes has been the way Sarah now prioritises her health. She explained; “Firstly, the programme has helped me prioritise my health above a lot of other things whereas before it was just not a priority. I don’t think I understood the importance of my mental health and my physical wellbeing. I think it’s that self-belief.”

Taking the first step was difficult. Sarah admitted that she felt insecure and nervous about putting herself out there and joining the programme but chose to push through those feelings. 

She said: “I felt insecure and self-conscious. I kind of pushed through that and trusted the process.”

Sarah was also surprised by how welcoming the programme felt. Before joining, she had imagined people judging her or worried that she would feel uncomfortable. Instead, she found a relaxed and supportive environment.

“When I walked into each and every studio that I’ve attended, it’s been so chill. The people have been so lovely and welcoming. I didn’t feel self-conscious and I felt actually quite calm.”Meeting other women on the programme has been another important part of Sarah’s experience. After feeling isolated and like she wasn’t getting the support she needed, being around women with similar experiences helped her realise she wasn’t alone.

She said: “I felt that I wasn’t getting much help from my GP and other support networks. And then I came into the fitness programme and there are lots of women going through the same things.

“It did make me think, ‘Oh, do you know what? I’m not alone. I’m not in this alone. There’s people that get me.’”

Sarah’s message to anyone considering joining the Women’s Health Programme is simple: it’s okay to be nervous, but don’t let fear stop you.

“I’d say that it’s okay to be fearful. I was. But there’s a saying– face everything and rise. If I can do it, you can do it.”