Conversation Cafe resource hub
This area features resources that will support independent hosting of Conversation Cafes on women's health.
The Conversation Cafe toolkit supports groups to set up, host and evaluate regular discussions on women’s health. More information on the toolkit can be found here. You can download a digital copy here. Free print copies are also available on request. Email whp@alliance-scotland.org.uk
In this resource hub you will find up-to-date clinical information on women’s health that will support you to facilitate discussions. , There are also link to videos, illustrations, and information leaflets for additional information, which can also be shared at Cafes.
There are also some resources that will support you with setting up and hosting your own Café.
This hub will be continuously added to – if there is anything that you would find useful to include then please email us at whp@alliance-scotland.org.uk
If you are hosting a regular Cafe locally, then why not add it to ALISS – A Local Information Service for Scotland. This searchable registry will help people in your area find information about your Cafe and how to attend. More info here.
Setting up and hosting your own cafe
Conversation Cafe promo poster template
You may wish to use this template to promote your own Cafe. The format is PDF and can be dropped into Paint, Canva or another platform to be edited, or added to a word document.
Being aware of how the Cafe is working for participants will help ensure that your Cafes continue to function as safe and supportive spaces. This form can be downloaded and used to capture regular feedback from participants.
This one sheet summary provides a checklist of things to consider when preparing for and hosting a Cafe.
Designing the session to some degree will allow for some structure. These example session plans can support you to get the most out of the conversation.
These examples of useful conversation prompts can help start or drive forward discussion.
Conversation Cafe case study guidance
The ALLIANCE would like to create an evidence-base that highlights the effectiveness of the Conversation Café model for empowering women with information about their health and encouraging positive attitudes.
In writing a short case study on your work using the Conversation Café for Women’s Health toolkit, you will be helping us to share stories about the value of furthering women’s access to information and support for their health.
Principles for inclusive communication
Women’s Health Plan logo
You may wish to include this on promotion material or other printed material that you use within your Café to connect it to the Women’s Health Plan.
Conversation Cafe image
Sparking discussion and providing clinical advice
NHS Inform Women’s Health Platform
NHS can offer clinical advice on the priority areas within the Women’s Health Plan, including menstruation, and menstrual health conditions, menopause, sexual health, and heart health. Information can also be accessed in a number of languages, including BSL and also Easy Read.
How you can use within your Café: You may wish to signpost people to NHS Inform for clinical information, or if discussion focuses on a specific area you can share the content of Inform with the group to aid discussion.
You may wish to encourage participants to favourite NHS Inform on their phone or other devices. This ensures that they can have immediate access to a range of trusted clinical information whenever they may have a concern or query about their health.
Information videos
There are a number of videos on Inform, created by NHS 24, as well video content produced by the ALLIANCE which spotlight key areas of women’s health.
You can find NHS Inform videos here
You can find all ALLIANCE videos here.
Topics including menstrual health, menopause, pelvic health, heart health, and specific conditions like PCOS or endometriosis.
How you can use within your Café : Screen a short video at the start of the Café and use it to prompt discussion. You may also wish to show an excerpt from one of our webinars, or host a longer Café where you share the whole recording and have discussion afterwards.
Visual resource library
The ALLIANCE’s visual resources for menopause, menstrual health and optimising health/healthy aging are published in partnership with the Scottish Government. They provide information via original graphics to support women to feel better informed and confident in raising their experience with friends, family, partners, colleagues and GPs.
How you can use within your Café: Share the images at the start of your Café, giving members an opportunity to consider the information within. Open the floor to discussion and reflections. The ALLIANCE has print copies on request – you may wish to have these to pass around. Email us at whp@alliance-scotland.org.uk and we will send you copies.