Housing Association Announces Endometriosis Friendly Employer Status
St Asaph based housing association ClwydAlyn has announced that the organisation has become an Endometriosis Friendly Employer (EFE), in a move which aims to support colleagues who may be struggling with endometriosis or other menstrual health conditions.
As a local employer with circa 650 colleagues, Denbighshire-based housing association ClwydAlyn has recognised the need to support colleagues who are experiencing endometriosis (endo). The scheme was adopted following a suggestion by long-term employee Kayleigh Smith, who was keen to advocate for herself and others within the organisation experiencing the condition.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a long-term, chronic pain condition affecting 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth. That’s over 1.5 million people in the UK, predominately of working age.
With an average time to diagnosis of eight years, many people with endometriosis suffer with the symptoms for years before accessing appropriate healthcare. Symptoms can include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain when going to the toilet, fatigue, difficulty conceiving and more.
Kayleigh, who herself spent many years as an undiagnosed endometriosis sufferer, was supported by her manager Nigel Blackwell, when endo symptoms were impacting her ability to work.
What is the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme?
The Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme works towards improving support for those with this chronic, long-term condition. The focus is on addressing endometriosis, whilst encouraging support and dialogue around all menstrual health conditions. Participation in the scheme helps organisations to create a workplace where staff are comfortable talking about the condition and encourages practical adjustments that can benefit people with endometriosis.
At ClwydAlyn, Kayleigh and Nigel have taken on the role of Endometriosis Champions. This involves providing colleagues with guidance in relation to endo, and being a point of contact for information, signposting, and support.
“It’s important to raise awareness and break the stigma around conditions like endometriosis. A lot of people suffer in silence because they feel embarrassed or think no one will understand. This scheme helps create workplaces where people feel safe to speak up and get the support they need. It’s about making small adjustments so that people can keep doing their jobs and living their lives, even on the tough days.”
“Endometriosis affects many people. As an employer, we want to nurture understanding and awareness, and support those who are experiencing symptoms which affect their daily lives.”
To find out more about ClwydAlyn visit: ClwydAlyn Housing North Wales
For further information about endometriosis and the EFE scheme, visit the Endometriosis UK website: Ending endometriosis starts by saying it | Endometriosis UK
