Wellness isn’t a destination. It’s a way of life.
Join our waitlist for August!
Register your interest here for our August sessions for 2026.
Dates for these sessions are:
- Saturday 22nd August
- Saturday 29th August
- Saturday 5th September
- Saturday 12th September
- Saturday 19th September
The retreat will be held:
- 27 – 29 November 2026.
Places are limited. There is only 20 places for each cohort.
Pause for Life has been awarded the 2025 Hyundai Sport Initiative of the Year.
Our grateful thanks to everyone involved:
The amazing Pause for Life Team, Leanne and Fiona. The generous support of Federal funding through Play our Way, and the incredible partnership with BetterMe to bring it all together. And to our Pilot cohort of ladies, you are an inspiration!




Women 40 – 60 do you suffer from:
- Forgetfulness
- Hip Pain
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Mood swings
- Frozen Shoulder
- Weight Gain
- Hot flushes

Upcoming Sessions:
Saturdays, 9am – 12pm – 2 May 2026 – 30 May 2026
Locations:
- Cohort 2: South – Mosman Park
- Cohort 3: North – Ascot and Bentley
Retreat: 26 – 28 June 2026.
Join our award-winning program!
Through the support of the Australian Government’s Play Our Way program, Paddle WA is proudly partnering with BetterMe Health and Wellness to deliver a unique and broad spectrum menopause health and wellness program.
Pause for Life is a 6-week program designed to help you understand and manage menopause with expert guidance, fun, easy fitness, and meaningful connections. Plus an all-inclusive weekend wellness retreat!
Take control.
Learning and understanding about what is happening to your mind and body during menopause is the first step in taking control and making positive changes to reduce the symptoms.
Join with friends and learn new things together.
We’ve gathered together experts in their fields to give you knowledge and understanding on Menopause and it’s symptoms, as well as ways to help reduce the effects on you!.
During the program you will learn:
- How to monitor your progress with the BetterMe wellness App. Plus a group discussion on cultural barriers and their impact for menopausal women.
- What is happening to me? Including healthy diet and nutrition during menopause.
- Medical advice from specialists and doctors. Ask your questions and get expert answers.
- Pelvic floor health. Advice and exercises from the clinical team.
- Fun ways to wellness. Engage and connect with each other.
- Nature based therapy. The importance of connecting to nature for mental, emotional and physical well-being.
- Kayaking. Give it a try, we are there to help you! Kayaking improves upper body strength and balance.
- Pilates. Gentle exercises you can do at home. Options for all fitness levels.
- Strength training. Essential for menopause health. With options for all fitness levels.
May Program
South Cohort – Mosman Park
| Date | Workshop | Exercise | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd May | PWA – Welcome / Ice breaker / Introduction | Pilates | Swan Canoe Club |
| 9th May | Lorraine English – Nutrition Workshop | Pilates | Swan Canoe Club |
| 16th May | Dr Manju Ambekar & Dr Monica Sinha – Medical Advice | Paddling | Swan Canoe Club |
| 23rd May | Diane Harnett – Clay Goddess Workshop | Paddling | Swan Canoe Club |
| 30th May | Karen Jones – Nature-Based Therapy / Meditation | Power Yoga | Swan Canoe Club |
North Cohort – Ascot and Bentley
| Date | Workshop | Exercise | Location |
| 2nd May | Ice breaker / Cultural Barriers / Introduction | Paddling | Ascot Kayak Club |
| 9th May | Dr Manju Ambekar & Dr Monica Sinha – Medical Advice | Paddling | Ascot Kayak Club |
| 16th May | Karen Jones – Nature-Based Therapy / Meditation | Power Yoga | Ascot Kayak Club |
| 23rd May | Lorraine Neptune – Nutrition Workshop | Pilates | Hillview Intercultural Community Centre |
| 30th May | Diane Harnett – Clay Goddess Workshop | Pilates | Hillview Intercultural Community Centre |
Everything you need is included.
By joining Pause for Life you will receive:
- 12-month BetterMe health and wellness app subscription.
- BetterMe Fitness Tracker Watch.
- 6 weeks of menopause education and fitness workshops.
- Wellness retrea/bootcamp in Bickley.
- Support and encouragement throughout the program.
- Yoga Mat.
- Towel.
- Hat and Hoodie.
- Wrist weights and small dumbbells.
- Diary and Pen.
- Drink bottle.
- Convenient Tote Bag.
The program is great value for money and an important investment in your health.
For $130 you will receive over $5000 worth of equipment, education, experiences and support. And that includes the retreat!. $130 is all you pay.
A Better You with BetterMe
We are proud to partner with BetterMe, who will be providing all Pause for Life participants with a free 12 month subscription to this incredible lifestyle and wellness app.

Support each other. Make new friends.
From School Mums to Wellness Sisters.
As our children grow older, the natural connections we once had through school drop-offs and mother’s groups often fade. But now, we have a new reason to reconnect – this time, just for ourselves.
Pause for Life is like a post-mother’s group. A space to share, support, and navigate the journey through menopause together. Let’s start the conversation, build a supportive network, and take some well-deserved time to focus on you.
Track your progress with ease
Thanks to BetterMe, you’ll have a simple, user-friendly way to monitor your journey. Not just your fitness, but also your sleep, nutrition, and overall physical and mental wellbeing. Plus, we’ll keep you motivated with fun challenges and ongoing support throughout the program, right up to the retreat.
Reconnect, recharge, retreat
At the end of the semester, we’ll come together again for a wellness retreat/bootcamp. A chance to unwind, reflect, and deepen the connections you’ve made. Set in a beautiful natural location, the retreat is dormitory-style, fully catered, and filled with light-hearted activities, inspiring workshops, and plenty of time to relax and reconnect with yourself and your Pause for Life community. And paddling of course!
Taking the first step is the hardest – but you’re not alone.
Joining Pause for Life is a courageous decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Over the next six weeks, you’ll gain tools, insights, and connections that can empower you to take control of your menopause journey.
Our hope is that what you learn becomes part of your everyday life – long after the program ends. With ongoing support from us and the friendships you build along the way, you’ll stay on track, adapt with confidence, and embrace this new chapter in your life with strength and clarity.
Frequently asked questions.
Can you offer a discount for concession card holders?
We understand, and want you to be able to join us. Discounts are considered upon application. Please reach out to discuss on 9285 8501 or admin@paddlewa.asn.au
I can’t afford to pay upfront. Do you offer payment plans?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer payment plans.
I want to do the program, but I can’t make these dates. Will you be running more programs in the future?
Yes! We will run the program twice a year with 4 cohorts over the next 3 years. Contact us to add you to the waiting lists.
What if I can’t make a session?
That’s OK, we understand. We do require you to attend a minimum of 4 sessions to be eligible for the retreat.
How many other people attend?
20 women will share the journey with you.
I’m not that fit, I’m worried about the fitness sessions.
Don’t be! Our fitness sessions cater for everyone and are based on easy, achievable things you can do at home or include into your day to day routines. If you have any concerns, please reach out to us.
What if I’m away and can’t make the retreat?
No problem at all. We can book you into the next end of semester retreat.
What do I need to bring to the Saturday sessions?
Bring your goodie bag given to you at the first session. Wear comfortable weather appropriate clothing. For kayaking sessions, bring a change of clothes.
What do I need to bring to the retreat?
- A pillow, pillowcase and bottom sheet is provided.
- Please bring your own sleeping bag or blankets.
- Your Pause for Life Tote bag and equipment.
- A Towel for showering.
- Weather appropriate clothing and your hat.
- Personal care items, and don’t forget your toothbrush!
What is your refund policy?
Details coming soon.
Join our waitlist for August!
Register your interest here for our August sessions for 2026.
Dates for these sessions are:
- Saturday 22nd August
- Saturday 29th August
- Saturday 5th September
- Saturday 12th September
- Saturday 19th September
The retreat will be held:
- 27 – 29 November 2026.
Places are limited. There is only 20 places for each cohort.
Any questions? Contact us.
Meet your host

Paddle WA proudly represents the vibrant paddlesports community across Western Australia. As the official State Sporting Association, we operate as a not-for-profit organisation governed by a dedicated board of directors and affiliated with Paddle Australia. We are passionate about promoting the many physical and mental health benefits of paddling, and we advocate for its inclusion as part of a balanced, active lifestyle. Whether you’re a new or seasoned paddler, Paddle WA is here to support your journey on the water.
Proudly supported by

Paddle WA is excited to announce our Pause for Life wellness with menopause program has been selected to receive funding under Stream 2 of the Australian Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program, supporting local initiatives and ideas to address participation barriers faced by women and girls to engage in sport and active recreation. This funding will allow Paddle WA to run the program over the next three years.




