Advance booking essential https://buytickets.at/pauseandconnectwomenscircle £15 per person

This is a quiet, welcoming space for women to come together, slow down, and be themselves. Life can feel full-on, noisy, or just too busy to stop and breathe. This circle is a chance to do something for you.

To take a pause. To let yourself just slow down for a little while, without needing to make sure everyone else is alright, keep all those plates spinning, or hold it all together.

We'll start with a short meditation to help calm the mind, and I'll also share a bit about the history and benefits of Women's Circles, so you can see why this can be good for your well-being.

There are no expectations here. You don't have to speak if you don't want to. The circle is about listening and being listened to. It's a space where you can share what's on your mind, or simply sit quietly and take it all in.

What's said in the circle stays in the circle. It's a space where people are listened to without judgement, and nothing gets shared outside the group.

We'll mostly be sitting on the floor, so please bring a yoga mat or cushion, some water, and anything else that helps you feel comfortable. If you have any mobility issues or find it tricky getting up and down, there will be chairs available too

Women's wellbeing event @ Acorn Natural Health Centre
17a Market Pl, Heanor DE75 7AA Accessibility - stairs leading to first floor.

Women’s Circle – FAQs

What actually is a women’s circle?
It’s a small, gentle group space where women come together to pause, connect, reflect, and be. No pressure to talk or share if you don’t want to. It’s not therapy. It’s not forced fun. Just a space to land for a bit, however you are.

What are the benefits of coming?
Slowing down helps you step out of the constant rush and gives your mind a break. Connecting to yourself like this can make it easier to notice what you really need or want. Feeling held in the group helps you carry less weight alone and can bring a bit of clarity when things feel messy. This can help you manage stress better, make clearer decisions, and feel less isolated in your day-to-day life.

Do I have to speak?
No. You’re welcome to speak, but you don’t have to. You can just sit and listen. There’s no pressure to perform, fix, or share anything you’re not ready to.

What if I don’t want to speak? Will I just be paying to listen to other people offload?
This comes up a lot, and it’s a fair question. The circle isn’t about offloading or venting and no one is expected to speak or sit and fix anyone else. It’s a space for reflection, not performance. Sometimes people speak, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes hearing someone else’s words helps something land in you, even if you don’t say a thing out loud.
There’s no takeaway sheet or follow-up task. This space is about being here not doing more. In a world that constantly pushes us to be productive or useful, this is something different. It’s enough just to show up.

Will I be expected to do anything out of my comfort zone?
No. There’s no standing up and sharing your life story, no forced group activities, no pressure to join in with anything that doesn’t feel right. Everything is invitational. You decide what feels okay for you.
There won’t be any loud group games, dancing, or anything that puts you on the spot. No forced fun or high-energy stuff. It’s a calm space where you can just be yourself without pressure to perform.

How much will I be expected to take part?
There’s no pressure to share or speak. You’ll be invited gently and respectfully if you want to, but it’s totally up to you. You can just listen if that’s what feels best.

How many people will be there?
Up to 12. Small enough to feel contained. Big enough that you’re not the only one.

Is it the same people each time?
It might be a mix. Some women come regularly. Others drop in when they can. You don’t need to know anyone before you come.

What kind of women come along? Will I fit in?
There’s usually a real mix — different ages, backgrounds, life experiences. Some are new to this kind of space, some have been to similar things before. You don’t need to be a certain type of person to come. If you’re open to reflection and interested in genuine connection, chances are you’ll feel at home.

What should I expect in terms of the session’s structure?
The circle has a relaxed, gentle flow with time to settle, connect, and reflect. Each session usually has a loose theme or question to guide us, but it’s flexible and not tightly planned.

The circle is participant-led, with no set agenda. You can speak as much or as little as you like, and silence is part of the process. If it helps, you’re welcome to bring a small object to fidget with or something comforting to hold during quiet moments.

Where will we be sitting?
Most people sit on the floor, but chairs are available if you prefer. You’re welcome to bring a cushion or yoga mat to help you get comfy.

What do I need to bring or wear?
Just yourself and whatever helps you feel comfortable. A cushion or mat if you want to sit on the floor, comfy clothes, and a water bottle if you like. A small object to fidget with or something comforting to hold during quiet moments.

Where is it held 
The circle is held at ACORN Natural Health Centre, in the centre of Heanor. Parking is nearby rather than on site, so please allow a few extra minutes to park and walk over.

Parking
There’s no parking on site, but there are several nearby options within a short walk of the venue.
- Ilkeston Road Car Park – up to 2 hours (£1.80), card and cash accepted.
- Wysall Street West Car Park – up to 2 hours (£1.80), card and cash accepted.
- Free on-street parking is available just past the gates of Heanor Memorial Park and on Wilmot Street, a few minutes walk away.

Last time I checked the car park directly opposite the venue (Market Place Car Park) only allows 1 hour maximum, even though the machine shows longer options.  So double check this.  

Toilets
Toilets are available inside the venue for all attendees.

Will there be any background noise?
The building is used by other practitioners, and being in the town centre, there may be some traffic noise. Soft, quiet music will play during the circle to help the space feel calm.

Accessibility
The circle takes place on an upper floor and is only reachable by stairs, so it may not be suitable for people with mobility impairments

Do I have to come every time or commit to anything?
No. You can come to just one or drop in whenever it feels right. There is no pressure to attend every time. No pre-reading, no homework, no prep needed.

Is it confidential?
Yes. What’s said in the circle stays in the circle. The only time anything would be shared outside of the group is if someone’s safety is at risk. Other than that, it’s confidential, and I’ll say more about this at the start of each session too.

What if I’m worried about judgement?
That’s a totally normal worry, especially if you’re not used to this sort of space. You won’t be judged here. You’ll be welcomed exactly as you are. The group tends to attract kind, thoughtful women who want something a bit real, not competitive or cliquey. You don’t have to share anything unless you want to, and you won’t be put on the spot.

Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.