After struggling to access the care that she needs in Nottingham, Jenni has been determined to ensure nobody else faces the challenges she has. Not only has Jenni secured the support of her local MP, but she’s also secured a debate at her local Council on endometriosis and what the Council can do to ensure those in the local authority have access to the care and support that they need.
She shares how she did it, starting conversations and turning those conversations into action.
Jenni said: “I reached out after the elections earlier this year to my new local area division councillor and he agreed to a meeting. I had a meeting with him and another councillor about what I do locally; the support group, attending health events, and sharing endometriosis information with local businesses/companies, as well as sharing with them what the charity does overall, and the impact of endometriosis on those with the disease. I spoke about how having their support could hopefully help get more progress for sufferers in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, as they have the power to get the word out there. They were fully behind me, and I also reached out to my MP who said he would support where he could also.
We already fight to get listened to, but it is worth fighting for council members to listen to you too. I didn't think it would be possible. After years of reaching out to councillors, my local area councillor made it happen and managed to get it spoken about in a Council Health Meeting.
Don't just limit yourself to your local MP, reach out to your local area councillors, and other close divisions to your area. You never know who will have your back and speak up for you. The more awareness out there the better.”
Talking about her own experience of endometriosis, Jenni shared: “I have struggled with endometriosis for 25 years and my journey hasn’t been an easy one. I want to raise as much awareness as possible, so the younger generation don't go through what I have.
For the past 3 years, I have been running the Nottingham Support Group. I felt alone going through my journey as no one around me could relate to me. People who attend the group can feel safe and secure, being with people that understand them in a completely non-judgemental environment.”
Thank you Jenni for taking action, and for supporting those with endometriosis in your local area. Find your local support group here.
Ahead of Endometriosis Action Month in March, we’ll be sharing template letters for you to send to your local Council to ask them to stand up and support those with endometriosis in your local area. Keep an eye on our website for further details.
In the meantime, you can write to your local MP using our online lobbying tool here.
