Wondering what to expect at a NOON Circle? Our founder Eleanor Mills explains:
“When I set up NOON in 2021, I wanted to bring women together to support each other through the mayhem and magnificence of midlife. Having been hoofed out of the job that had defined me after 23 years, I felt totally lost. I couldn’t find anything or anywhere that would take me by the hand and help me find my next chapter. That’s why I set up the NOON Circles.
“It began because I invited some of the women reading my Queenager newsletter to come and meet up so we could share stories of our midlife clusterfuxxs. But it became so much deeper and more enriching than that.
“When we sit together and really speak from our hearts about where we are and where we might go, when we hear from other women who are on the same path – maybe a bit futher a long, maybe where we just were – we share and receive so much wisdom, empathy and support.”
What are NOON Circles like?
A NOON Circle is different from a coffee morning, networking event or simple social occasion.
Everyone is there because they want to make the most of midlife and are in a period of transition. They might feel a bit lost and don’t know what to do next.
Some of us have our midlife pivot thrust upon us, others just start feeling increasingly stuck and itchy and know that something has to change. Some of us come because we are lonely, feel unconnected from old friends, are coping with a move or job changes or empty nest or other challenges. NOON Circles are above all a chance to meet a new tribe, some new sisters who get you and where you are and share your sense of not being done yet. There is Much More to Come!
If you fancy coming along to a Circle…this is how it works.
Practicalities
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- You need to be a Paid Member of NOON: You can do that right here on the website (see Membership Options here or upgrade on your account page). It’s £6 a month (that’s not much more than a coffee) or £50 a year (an even better deal!).
- Choose your location and sign up: You’ll find all of them listed on our Events page. You can register via the booking button on the event – being a Paid Member gives you access to the booking page.
- The London Circle is our flagship Circle: It’s led by our founder Eleanor and takes place at a Central London location. Tickets for the London Circle, as our flagship, cost £20 and you’ll be able to purchase drinks and nibbles from the venue.
- After you’ve reserved your spot:
- For the London Circle, the location can be found on your confirmation email as well as on the listing on the Events page.
- Circles that are held in public venues have the location details on the confirmation email as well as on the listing on the Events page.
- Many of our Circles are held in somebody’s home. As such, the details AREN’T listed on the event listing or on your confirmation email. Close to the time of the event you’ll get an email introducing you to your host for the evening and info on where to go. (If you need to know earlier, email us and we’ll be happy to send it along.) Our hosts give their time and hospitality for free because the want to help other Queenagers and they’ve seen the power of the NOON Circle for themselves. They want to pay it forward.
- Online Circles are hosted via Zoom so you can join from wherever you please!
- About the Circle hosts: All our hosts have received some training in hosting Circles, many are qualified therapists and coaches –all fabulous women who are part of our community
- On the day: The Circles kick off at 6.30pm. If you like, bring a nibble or something you’d like to drink to share with the group.
- Upon arrival: When you arrive we’ll check you in so we know exactly who’s in attendance. (This information is only used by NOON and on our email list. We never sell or pass on your information without your consent.)
- To kick off: Eleanor joins all the Circles via Zoom at 7pm to say hi and introduce that evening’s theme – often informed by the news or from my book Much More to Come. Then your Circle begins with the other Queenagers in the room and your host. It should finish by 8.30pm but can go on a bit longer if you are all in mid flow.
- Who attends: We try and keep Circles small and intimate, depending on the space. he ones I host in Soho tend to be bigger, maybe 25 so we go on a bit later)
- About the conversation: The Circle is a place to speak and to be heard, to be listened to and validated. We aren’t here to solve or fix anyone, so please respect that. Everyone gets a chance to speak in turn.
- A polite note: I love it that so many of you make friends through the NOON circles – feel free to share numbers and contacts if that feels right to you. BUT please respect that this isn’t a networking event, nor is it a place to solicit for work or tout your wares. If you are a coach or have a service to offer the NOON community, please email us at hello@noon.org.uk and we’ll tell you about the NOON Directory where you can tell other Queenagers about your brilliant offerings. Please don’t use the NOON Circle to do this.
