Many girls / women in Wales feel dis-empowered by health services which often dismiss or don't understand their symptoms, leaving them feeling abandoned and very unwell.

Currently, FTWW’s main campaign is on endometriosis, although we also offer help and support to girls / women with a range of other physical and mental health conditions.

Endometriosis is a disease which affects one in ten women and yet which continues to be mired in misinformation and myth. With a similar number affected as by diabetes and / or asthma, the fact that diagnosis takes an average of ten years is of great concern. Given the huge demands upon GPs, especially in Wales where there is a massive shortfall in numbers, it is vital that sufferers are fully cognisant of how this disease presents itself, and are able to advocate for themselves in making the case for early diagnosis and most effective treatment.

FTWW has been working on a range of measures, including the creation of a very active online support group, and the compiling of a detailed report, “Making the Case for Better Endometriosis Treatment in Wales “, exploring the experiences and problems facing endometriosis patients here. We were also successful in having a poster entitled, ‘The GP’s Role in Improving the Lives of Endometriosis Patients’ accepted for display at the annual Royal College of GPs Conference, 2016.

FTWW’s report and poster are now being used as the basis for developing improved strategy for patients, with Welsh Government ministers citing the former in their correspondence with individuals, and the CEO of NHS Wales making it a focus of discussions with relevant policy officials and clinicians. Our poster is being distributed amongst Primary Care Leads in Wales, and we hope to make it part of our proposed GP endo education sessions.

A key part of what we're doing, however, is simply offering health-related advice and support to girls / women, whenever they need it.