You’ve played a major role in raising awareness to BAFTA lev
Massive thanks to all of you for helping to profile of a forgotten condition to such a point that books, pop records and now an award-winning film have been written about it.
Despite harming one-in-ten women, the profile of endometriosis was so poor five short years ago, that some members of the public thought the pelvic blight was a throat infection.
But your efforts to enlighten about endo have put it on the world map.
And we’re using the beginning of Endometriosis Awareness Month to express our gratitude to you for your sterling efforts.
We founded our charity in 2021 after being left dumfounded by the ignorance displayed to patients presenting with the condition.
And together we have ushered in an age where everyone from celebs to stigma-shy South Asian women now talk openly about their battles with the condition.
The film, “This is Endometriosis” also won the Best Short Film Award at the recent BAFTAs – the first time a medical condition has ever been the topic of a winning flick.
“So much progress has been made since local young woman Courtney Ormrod arrived at my surgery desperate for help half a decade ago” revealed our founder Dr Sharma. “Her teaching career had been ruined, she’d had black-outs and needed a wheelchair on occasions, and worst of all, nobody believed a word she said!
With the supreme support of volunteers from my Patient Participation Group we decided enough was enough – and began a campaign that owes so much to them and the people of Oldham who have since helped.”
Far from resting on her laurels though, Dr Anita is marching forward over the next few weeks with awareness-raising public events, including a walk and a coffee morning attended by local MPs. She is also set to unveil details of the country’s first-ever research into endometriosis and self-harm, conducted by the University of Manchester and funded by donations to Endometriosis Awareness North.
“While more people know about endo, the time taken to successfully diagnose endometriosis has actually GONE UP and sufferers have to wait in pain for nearly a decade to find out if they have the condition” she continued.
“Where is the specialist help to treat endo? Where is the research to find relief or even a cure? And where are the politicians who will make learning about Endo a part of our children’s education, or even grant special leave of absence for workers crippled by endometriosis?
There is still so much to be done.”
Step-up and share your stance on self-harm
Endo warriors, we are calling on you to be bold and brave once again, in an effort to get people to understand self-injury.
We know courage is part of your daily routine but realise talking about your mental health is never easy.
But we need your brio to alert society about a problem that is only hinted at, in scattered pieces of research.
One such brilliant article crucially highlights what can be done to help you when you’re having dark thoughts – https://harmless.org.uk/self-harm-and-endometriosis-a-hidden-connection/
There is nothing more effective when it comes to raising awareness than a human story of suffering.
It will touch hearts and change minds.
If that is something you feel able to do, please email endometriosisawarenessnorth@gmail.co.uk
Although your story will be shared far and wide, you can remain anonymous, if you wish.
Thank you warriors, once again!
A fitting place to congregate on endometriosis
Friendships continue to be made, and awareness of endo raised at our events – the most recent of which took place in the borough of our birth.
Guests gathered at South Chadderton Methodist Church to share experiences and send a message to the community about the physical and mental pain endo warriors too often endure – and the hope our charity brings them.
We are now just a few days away from Endometriosis Awareness Month, where happenings such as this will take place across the country.
Indeed, we’re hosting another in Rochdale on March 28th. This will be attended by MP Elsie Blundell.
Sincere thanks to everyone who makes these congregations such a success. To learn more about what is coming up, go to UPCOMINGEVENTS
Ground down by endo? Come and have a coffee
Announcing our first Endometriosis Awareness Month event where medics, MPs and even the local Mayor will come to talk endo.
But one of the other great things about our gatherings is they allow YOU to share your experiences with others; and if our past events are anything to go by, make lifelong friendships!
Further details will be coming soon, but the date for your diary is Saturday March 28thand the location is the Norden Bowling Club Trinity St, Rochdale OL12 7RD.
Along with our partners and supporters, we are DETERMINED to make this the most successful Endometriosis Awareness Month, ever. Learn more about the campaign at https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/endometriosis-awareness-month/
Find out what we're really about, on film
Click onto our brand new movie, detailing what Endometriosis Awareness North is all about Endometriosis Awareness North - YouTube
Featuring our treasured case study Courtney, it also gives medics a platform to call for quicker diagnosis of endometriosis.
With thanks to filmmakers Andrea Bertozzi and Pete Gibson Media.
Donate
We are registered with The Charity Commission. Our charity number is 1212676.
You can do your bit to research a cure to endo and support the one-in-ten women with the condition by going to our DONATE page.