Face-to-face support for endo

HEALTH and education provider QENDO is holding a morning tea support group for anyone with endometriosis, adenomyosis or PCOS this Saturday at The Boardwalk.

The not-for-profit group has been providing support and resources for over 30 years.

Vice-president Isabella Gosling said QENDO started the service in Queensland, before expanding nationally and even internationally through their website.

QENDOMeet was launched as a way of providing face-to-face, personal support in Australian cities.

“It’s a support group that gives people the chance to catch up and connect, so if they have endometriosis, adenomyosis or PCOS themselves or they’re going through a fertility journey, they’re welcome to attend,” Ms Gosling said.

“However, partners, friends, family, colleagues are also welcome; it’s just a support group or catchup in a casual setting.”

Ms Gosling said QENDOMeets are limited to 10 people in order for facilitators to provide personal and tailored sessions for the individuals.

“It’s really important to have that face-to-face support because we know that people with a chronic health condition have a higher rate of mental health issues and can often feel isolated and alone,” she said.

“Having that face-to-face support provides for that community, they know there’s people close by to them who know what they’re going through and they can lean on when they need.

“We found 10 to be a really good number where you can still have a chat to other people, but our support worker can have a really good, personalised chat with you as well.”

Australia-wide, one in 10 people assigned as female at birth are affected by endometriosis.

Last week’s Federal budget announcement included $353.9 million over the next four years to support women’s health, including funding for cervical and breast cancer, endometriosis and reproductive health.

Ms Gosling said it was a “a really important step toward creating a gold standard of care for people affected by endometriosis.”

“The fact that the word endometriosis was even mentioned in the budget and not just included under the umbrella of women’s health is an excellent step forward,” she said.

“It means all the lobbying we’ve done over the past 30 years is paying off and we can really see the awareness, which has just been excellent.”

For more information, resources and to book a spot at Bendigo’s QENDOMeet visit qendo.org.au/events/qendomeet-bendigo-22-05.