We caught up with Jenny, Support Group Leader for the West Wales group as they prepare to celebrate the group's first birthday.
Hi, my name is Jenny, I’m 32, from Tenby, and I am the West Wales Support Group Leader. My Endometriosis journey began at 14, when I first presented to my GP with symptoms relevant to Endo. However, it took another 8 years before anyone mentioned Endo to me, and a total of 15 years of pain, anguish and fighting, before I finally got a diagnosis. In that time, I was left to manage my symptoms alone, with no explanation or help. I missed vital schooling, I went to extreme lengths to lose weight to show it wasn’t that, had a very traumatic pregnancy, and struggled more and more to function.
Once diagnosed, I wanted to channel my energy into raising awareness of the condition, advocating for better care and understanding and supporting others who share my journey. It has been so important to me as there has been nothing like my group in West Wales before, and with rural living comes limited services and added isolation, it was important to be able to provide something I didn’t have access to. Running the West Wales group has also given me a great opportunity to get involved with a local college to raise awareness and liaise with Members of Senedd in the West Wales area to advocate for improvements in care and waiting times.
The West Wales Group is set up as a safe space to talk about how you are feeling, talk about you experiences, share ideas and learn more about endometriosis. We often talk about what care is available in the area and how to access it, and I share updates from Endometriosis UK, including links to really helpful and informative webinars. We mostly interact on our Facebook and Instagram pages but try and meet for online calls as often as possible and members are welcome to reach out to myself if they would prefer. The group is growing week by week and we are looking forward to a busy and event-filled year.
In honour of the West Wales Group's FIRST BIRTHDAY, and to celebrate Endometriosis Action Month, we are hosting a Birthday Bash, an event we hope to make annual. The event will be ticketed but open to all, we really want to raise lots of awareness for the condition and celebrate ourselves and other endometriosis warriors. The evening will be packed with live music, including a set from my own band! There will be a raffle, nibbles, party treats, a few words from myself and Endometriosis UK's Wales Co-ordinator Heatherjane, and a DJ and karaoke to end the night! Its sure to be a night to remember. Find out more about the event here.
For anyone who is looking to join a support group or meeting for the first time, my advice is to take the plunge and reach out, your never under pressure to share, you can just listen if you prefer. All the group leaders and members and super friendly and supportive of each other. We are here to help, and we are all in this together, just knowing you’re not alone can be life changing.
This event is hosted by the West Wales Support Group. To find out more information about the event or to join the West Wales Support Group, contact westwalesgroup@endometriosis-uk.org or visit Facebook or Instagram.
