Bar staff at a pub in Swinton are setting up a menopause support network in memory of a woman who took her own life.

When Charlotte Sumbland (pictured) committed suicide after struggling with symptoms of the perimenopause, her friends were left reeling by the devastating and unexpected tragedy. But a Swinton, Greater Manchester licensee was determined her death shouldn’t be in vain.

Lyndsey Smethills, who runs the White Swan, owned by Manchester brewery Joseph Holt, has set up a menopause support group at the pub, with the first session due to take place on 15 August.

"Charlotte's death last October was so harrowing and tragic," said Smethills. "But we want something good to come out of it and help other women feeling that desperate. That’s why we’ve set up the group – a place for women to let off steam, to chat to experts and to know they aren’t on their own.

"Joseph Holt pubs are at the heart of the community and having a group like this is one way to serve our community and to make sure women going through the menopause never feel alone."

Over the coming weeks, experts specialising in the condition will attend the group, known as Menopause Sucks, to offer advice. It includes GPs, healthcare workers and holistic practitioners including one with suicide intervention training. It will also offer the chance to try products which may alleviate symptoms.

The initiative follows a recent sponsored walk, set up by Charlotte’s friend of 35 years, Stacy Stewart, who also works with Lyndsey at the pub. The walk raised more than £7,000 for the Menopause Charity.

Stacy and Charlotte were particularly close as mothers of 16-year-old sons who were born nine days apart. Yet despite being so friendly with Charlotte, who was a partner in a Cheshire nail salon, Stacy had no idea she was suffering so much.

Stewart said: "Charlotte had been talking a lot about the perimenopause – she felt panicky, stressed and suffered sweats. But I still can’t believe she felt so bad that she felt she had no option but to do what she did.

"Part of the reason it’s so hard to come to terms with is that Charlotte was always a problem solver. If you had an issue, she’d find a way forward. We had actually been on holiday to Spain the week before she died, and she was enjoying herself but then would start panicking and sighing about her situation. But aside from the terrible shock of Charlotte’s passing, I’ve heard of other women who feel this desperate because of the menopause.

"That’s why it’s important we do something not only to remember her but also to let other women know they are not on their own. Women need to speak about the way they feel and know they are not alone and that there are people out there who care and who can help."

The perimenopause is a time of hormonal change when the body makes the natural transition to menopause. In the UK, women in their early 50s have the highest risk of suicide compared to women in other age groups – possibly because of the perimenopause and the menopause.

Menopause Sucks will meet at the White Swan, Swinton, every Tuesday from 7pm starting next week.