Latest news with #EndometriosisFriendlyEmployer
Business News Wales
7 days ago
- Health
- Business News Wales
Cardiff Council Commits to Becoming Endometriosis Friendly Employer
Cardiff Council is the latest organisation pledging to support colleagues impacted by endometriosis by joining the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme. With 14,800 staff, it becomes the largest local government body to make this commitment, and is only the second in Wales to do so, following Powys County Council. Through the scheme, which is run by charity Endometriosis UK, Cardiff Council will improve its support for those affected by this common disease, as well as breaking down taboos and stigmas around menstrual health. Endometriosis impacts the physical and mental health of one in 10 women and those assigned female at birth from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life. Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, painful bowel movements and pain when urinating. Despite being so common, it takes an average of nine years and 11 months to get diagnosed in Wales – the longest of any UK nation – for reasons including lack of understanding of the disease. As part of the scheme, Cardiff Council has appointed Endometriosis Champions, who will receive training from Endometriosis UK, to enable them to provide support and information to its workforce. Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said: 'I'm delighted to welcome Cardiff Council to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme. 'By showing its team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.' Endometriosis Champion at Cardiff Council, Frances Sheppard, said: 'Having personally navigated the challenges of diagnosis and surgery for endometriosis, I understand how isolating and overwhelming the journey can be. I want to be a source of support and guidance for others, offering advice, empathy, and encouragement to help them feel less alone.' Fellow Endometriosis Champion Sian Coleman said: 'By becoming an Endometriosis Friendly Champion, I hope to raise awareness of endometriosis and ensure that both employees and managers receive the support and guidance they need.' Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: 'We're delighted to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme to ensure we can start to better understand and support those in the workplace with endometriosis, as well as break down taboos about menstrual health. We look forward to working with Endometriosis UK, and hope that we'll inspire others to join the scheme as well.' Endometriosis UK champions the rights and needs of the more than 1.5 million in the UK with endometriosis. As well as providing support services, reliable information and a community for those affected by endometriosis, Endometriosis UK works to ensure that everyone with endometriosis gets prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support, to end chronic menstrual related pain being brushed off as normal, and to raise awareness of endometriosis with the wider public. Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle, this can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue. Endometriosis is most commonly found on the lining of the pelvis (peritoneum) and may occur in the ovaries and involve other pelvic organs, like the bowel or bladder. Less commonly, endometriosis can also be found outside the pelvis, such as in the chest.
Business News Wales
20-05-2025
- Health
- Business News Wales
Employers Asked to Share Insights on Menstrual Health and Endometriosis in the Workplace
HR and benefits software provider Ciphr and Endometriosis UK have launched a new survey exploring how menstrual health and conditions such as endometriosis are being supported in UK workplaces. The six-minute survey is open to people who work in HR, and business owners. The results will be published in the summer by Ciphr, an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, and Endometriosis UK, which is the country's largest charity supporting all those impacted by endometriosis. Insights from the survey will also help shape future support available from Endometriosis UK. Claire Williams, chief people and operations officer at Ciphr, said: 'This research is an opportunity to take a deeper dive into how employers are supporting their people in managing their health at work and gain a better understanding of what more may need to be done. We're delighted to be working with Endometriosis UK on this study, and I encourage HR practitioners and business owners across the UK to share their experiences and perspectives.' Julie Burns, manager of the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme at Endometriosis UK, said: 'We're delighted that Ciphr's commitment to being an Endometriosis Friendly Employer has extended to collaborating with us to get more information about what HR professionals and business owners know about menstrual health, how they support those with a disease like endometriosis to thrive in the workplace, and the gaps that may exist in that knowledge and support. Please take a few minutes to share your insights. We look forward to looking closely at the responses to this survey and using it to improve the support we provide through our Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme and our other work.' The survey will take about six minutes to complete and closes on Monday 23 June. To take part in the survey visit:
