We are pleased to have Endometriosis UK as our 2024 Charity of the Year.

As a charity, Endometriosis UK lobby for change and provide vital support services, reliable information and a community for those affected by endometriosis. With your help, we can help end the silence, end the pain and end the isolation endometriosis can cause for the 1.5 million in the UK who suffer from this disease.

10% of women have endometriosis, yet it takes an average of 8 years to get a diagnosis. This figure hasn’t changed in a decade. Many are left unsupported, with chronic pain and debilitating symptoms. There is no cure. The negative impact on lives can be enormous. Additionally, there is a general lack of awareness about endometriosis: a survey in 2023 highlighted that just 49% of the public are aware that endometriosis is a gynaecological health condition.

The pandemic has left a legacy of delays accessing endometriosis surgery, treatment and care. Data from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists found gynaecology services in the UK have faced the largest percentage increase in delays. NHS waiting lists across the Nations are around 60% longer than pre-pandemic levels. In Scotland patients are waiting on average 18 months to referral to first appointment and further 18 months for diagnostic surgery, making our support and services needed more than ever.

As well as causing chronic physical pain, endometriosis can have a severe impact on education, mental health, relationships and careers. Menstrual Health is still often considered a taboo subject, leaving those with the disease feeling isolated and ignored. At Endometriosis UK we work hard to breakdown the taboo and tackle the stigma of endometriosis. We seek to advocate and drive change through influencing and campaigning. Scotland was the first place in the UK to roll out the women’s health plan and appoint a women’s health champion. We are the secretariat to the Scottish Cross Party group headed by Monica Lennon, MSP and regularly meet with NHS Scotland advisors.

We believe in a world where endometriosis does not limit people’s lives, we work to break down barriers and are determined to ensure everyone gets prompt diagnosis, the best treatment and support. Collaboratively with our community, we act to inform, empower, and advocate for all those affected by the disease.

In Scotland we also work with employers through our Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme. The scheme is a way for employers confirm their commitment to developing a work environment and culture that enable employees with endometriosis to thrive at work. We have a range of employers signed up from across Scotland including Glasgow Caledonian University, Standard Life, The Scottish Fire Service and the office of Monica Lennon MSP.

We currently have one member of staff in Scotland, dedicated to expanding and furthering our services and reach. We have 9 face to face support groups across the regions and 3 online with new links in the islands and rural parts around Scotland. Others volunteer on our webchat & helpline rotas, on individual projects and cheerleading. We have ambitious plans to offer more support and advocacy to the community. All our trained volunteers are women with lived experience of endometriosis.

With your support we’ll continue to recruit and train additional volunteers, deliver trusted and accurate information, raise awareness and advocate for those most in need. This impactful approach aims to reduce isolation and empower sufferers to make informed choices.