Endometriosis Friendly Employer Event

The night was an event to showcase what work Endometriosis UK are doing in getting themselves in workplaces and highlighting the benefits of being an Endometriosis Friendly Employer. Practice Manager Fiona, RVN Lauren and Receptionist Hannah all went along to the event last night to network, get to know the charity a bit better and show their support.

The night started off with Endometriosis UK representative Julie Burns welcoming everyone in the room and giving a little outline as to what the evening ahead had in store for us, where we then went into a panel discussion with three different speakers talking about having endometriosis in their own workplaces and the benefits of getting rid of that stigma and starting the conversations. On the panel were Julie Burns, Dr Millie Bompard from Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, Rachel Bond from Glasgow Caledonian University, and our RVN Lauren Wilson.

The panel opened up discussions about how it is working and living with endometriosis, the challenges that people living with it face everyday and how best to manage it in the workplace. They also covered topics such as how to bring that conversation into the workplace and to higher ups such as managers so that people can be supported throughout their journey.

After a quick stop for some refreshments and nibbles, kindly provided by Virgin Money, Endometriosis UK welcomed their key note speaker Fiona Stalker from the BBC. Fiona opened up not only about her own personal experience with living with endometriosis but how she was able to broach the subject with her colleagues and bosses, and how the BBC are also on the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.

There was a quick Q&A session at the end, and then we were encouraged to mingle and network with other companies and associates, which gave a fantastic opportunity to learn more about companies also in the Scheme, but find out new and better ways we can incorporate supportive ideas in the practice. 

Westport Vets are very proud to be an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, so going along to this and showing our support both to the charity, and Lauren, was something we were looking forward to and more than happy to attend.

Speaking with Lauren after the event, she said, "I was kindly invited along by Endometriosis UK to talk about being an Endo Champion within the workplace. Being on the panel allowed me the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns that may arise at work and what changes can be made to offer and provide support to colleagues. It was great to hear ideas and points of concern from other individuals as well as hearing other people's personal stories. I am very grateful for these opportunities where I can discuss stories, share ideas and most importantly, raise awareness about this disease."

Practice Manager Fiona said, "I'm extremely proud of the work that Lauren and Hannah have carried out to enable us to be a advocate for Endometriosis UK and their Friendly Employer Scheme."