Events by University of Sussex

The Menopause Café is an inclusive and open peer-led gathering designed to foster dialogue, community support, and education around perimenopause and menopause. Hosted on the University of Sussex campus, this session provides a welcoming, non-judgmental space where individuals can openly talk about their personal experiences, share coping strategies, and discuss the biological, emotional, and social dimensions of menopausal transitions. Breaking the Taboo Around Menopause Menopause affects millions of people globally, yet it often remains shrouded in stigma or overlooked in everyday workplace and social conversations. By bringing members of the local Brighton community, university faculty, staff, and students together, this event breaks down taboos and encourages honest conversations. Participants are free to share as much or as little as they like while gaining insights into managing symptoms, practical lifestyle adjustments, and self-care routines. Peer Support and Practical Guidance Rather than following a rigid academic structure, the Menopause Café operates as a collaborative discussion group without guest speakers or commercial agendas. Guided by facilitators, attendees can ask questions, swap practical advice, and explore various dimensions of health during menopause. Topics frequently touched upon include physical symptoms, cognitive changes, mood alterations, mental wellbeing, work-life balance, and healthcare navigation. Fostering an Inclusive Community Environment Inclusivity is at the heart of the Menopause Café model. The event welcomes people of all ages and genders—whether they are personally experiencing perimenopause or menopause, or wish to attend to better support partners, family members, friends, or workplace colleagues. The relaxed setup offers a compassionate atmosphere to connect, listen, and build meaningful peer networks within the local area. What Attendees Can Expect Attendees can look forward to a warm reception with tea, coffee, and light refreshments. The interactive group discussion encourages open dialogue in a safe and supportive setting. Participants will have opportunities to learn from shared real-life experiences, discover reliable resources for managing health and wellbeing, and connect with local support networks in Brighton.

The University of Sussex is proud to present the inaugural "Sussex Kindness Conference 2026," a groundbreaking event organized by the Sussex Centre for Research on Kindness. Taking place in the heart of Brighton, this conference serves as a vital bridge between rigorous academic research and real-world practical applications. As the first-ever conference of its kind, it is specifically tailored to explore how the concept of kindness can drive powerful, practical, and cross-sector collaboration between academia, the business world, and charitable organizations. The event features a diverse program designed to challenge traditional perspectives on workplace culture and societal interaction. Attendees will hear from renowned keynote speakers, including industry leaders like Shiv Misra, founder of Kindly of Brighton, and celebrated authors such as Graham Allcott, who will discuss the "quiet power of kindness" in professional leadership. The conference is structured to provide high-level insights into how kindness can be utilized as a strategic asset to foster thriving, empowered, and inclusive environments. Throughout the day, participants will engage in dynamic panel sessions and "sofa talks" that showcase successful kindness-led approaches currently being implemented in global organizations. These discussions aim to highlight how academic-led collaborations can achieve tangible goals with external partners, focusing on culture, systems, and product development. The conference also offers unique opportunities to explore formal partnership avenues with the University, such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and collaborative consultancy. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant and inclusive city of Brighton, the Sussex Kindness Conference is more than just a meeting; it is a movement toward a more empathetic and effective professional future. It invites thinkers and doers to come together to unlock innovative, evidence-based solutions that prioritize human well-being alongside organizational success.