News: We have committed to becoming an Endometriosis Friendly Employer!
We have pledged to support colleagues impacted by endometriosis, by joining the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.
Through the scheme, which is run by charity Endometriosis UK, we will improve our support for staff at Nottingham College affected by this common disease, as well as breaking down taboos and stigmas around menstrual health.
Endometriosis is a gynaecological disease impacting 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 the UK, for reasons including lack of understanding of the disease.
As part of the scheme, we have already been appointing Endometriosis Champions, who will receive training from Endometriosis UK to enable them to provide support and information to colleagues.
Our Recruitment Manager and new Endometriosis Champion, Amie Blake, has had her own experience with the disease, after waiting 8 years to be diagnosed. We spoke to her and she said:
We’re thrilled to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme to support employees with endometriosis and break menstrual health taboos.
Endometriosis greatly effects my daily life including work, with symptoms such as extreme fatigue and severe pain. As someone who has always pushed myself in my career, admitting to suffering can feel like a sign of weakness and that it might even hinder progression. That’s why I’m so excited about Nottingham College’s partnership with Endometriosis UK. For the first time, I feel like myself and others can be open about this illness without judgment at work, and I am so proud to be helping to raise awareness.
Amie Blake — Recruitment Manager, Nottingham College
We also spoke to our Senior Procurement Officer, Nora Kalnina – who also suffers from the debilitating disease, she said:
Living with endometriosis has been a journey of pain, doubt, and frustration — being dismissed by those who should listen and fighting against the feeling of not being heard. I was once told I could never have children, yet here I am, a mother of two, having faced the moral and physical struggles that come with this condition I know that there is not enough support we need.
This is why the partnership with Nottingham College as an Endometriosis Friendly Employer is invaluable to me. It’s more than a commitment; it’s a step toward fostering understanding, breaking down stigma, and ensuring that no one else feels alone in their fight. I believe this initiative will empower my colleagues and create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Nora Kalnina — Senior Procurement Officer, Nottingham College
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK said:
I’m delighted to welcome Nottingham College 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 ultimately be making the organisation more successful.
Emma Cox — CEO of Endometriosis UK
Endometriosis UK is the leading UK charity championing the rights and needs of the more than 1.5m 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.
Published on:
- 13th September 2024 (2:11 PM)
Media enquiries
If you are a journalist and would like to contact us about this news story, our PR and Communications team will be happy to assist you.