Redcar and Cleveland Council is proud to be the latest organisation pledging to support colleagues impacted by endometriosis, by joining the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.
Through the scheme, which is run by charity Endometriosis UK, the Council, which has 2280 employees, 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 1 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 eight years and 10 months to get diagnosed in England, for reasons including lack of understanding of the disease.
As part of the scheme, the Council will appoint 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 Redcar & Cleveland 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.”
Cabinet Member for Health, Welfare, and Housing, Cllr Ursula Earl, said:
"By joining the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme, we show our commitment to breaking down stigma and ensuring that those living with this condition feel supported at work. Endometriosis affects so many people, yet it is still under-recognised and often misunderstood.
“I’m proud that Redcar and Cleveland Council is taking this important step, and I hope it encourages more organisations to do the same."
Deputy Mayor for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Cllr Ceri Cawley is hoping to establish a support group in the borough and campaigning for other employers to become endometriosis friendly employers. She said:
"As someone who lives with endometriosis, I know first-hand the impact this condition can have on every aspect of life, including work. I remember lying in the bath in absolute agony and decided to look for support groups in the area. I couldn’t find a local group but did find Endometriosis UK. For years, I was forever going to the doctors only to be told it was IBS or a heavy period. I was told all sorts of reasons for this pain, all of them wrong. It needs to be talked about more.”
Redcar and Cleveland are the sixth UK local authority to sign up to the scheme, joining two others in England (Southwark and Stoke-on-Trent), two in Wales (Cardiff and Powys), and East Ayrshire in Scotland.
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.
Find more information on the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme at: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-friendly-employer-scheme