Author | Lightnews

Reposted by Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW)

Women's Institute in Wales @thewi-wales.bsky.social · 8d

Byddwn yn cynnal dau ddigwyddiad, a noddir gan @joycewatson.org.uk yn y Senedd ar 17 Tachwedd:

Digwyddiad i randdeiliaid ar y thema niwed ar-lein: 11yb - 1yp
Gwylnos yng Ngolau Canhwyllau: 6yh - 7.30yh

Cofrestrwch yma: www.thewi.org.uk/wi-in-wales/...

Events at the Senedd to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

www.thewi.org.uk

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Reposted by Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW)

Women's Institute in Wales @thewi-wales.bsky.social · 8d

We will be holding 2 events, sponsored by @joycewatson.org.uk at the Senedd on Monday 17 November to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence:

Stakeholder event discussing online harm: 11am - 1pm
Candlelight vigil: 6pm - 7.30pm

Register here: www.thewi.org.uk/wi-in-wales/...

Events at the Senedd to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

www.thewi.org.uk

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · 14d

We're really looking forward to attending Cysters' much-needed 'Marginalised and Menopausal – Reclaiming #Menopause in Racialized Bodies' event on Saturday 18th October in Cardiff.

Are you attending? Do come and say hello if so!

More information and ticket link here: ftww.org.uk/event/cyster...

Cysters: Marginalised and Menopausal - Reclaiming Menopause in Racialized Bodies - Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales

We are delighted to be attending Marginalised & Menopausal, an intersectional initiative centering the experiences of South Asian individuals navigating menopause, all with a healthy dash of Samosay, ...

ftww.org.uk

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · 21d

Adenomyosis can have a huge impact on pregnancy, yet remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood.

FTWW member Lana shared her story with BBC Wales, and we added our voice to the conversation.

Read the full article here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

#Adenomyosis #WomensHealth #FTWW #BBCWales

Adenomyosis: 'The pain was so agonizing, I walked with a stick'

Lana Boocock said her symptoms were dismissed as irritable bowel syndrome or

www.bbc.co.uk

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · 28d

#PolycysticOvarianSyndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month

#PCOS affects 1 in 8 women and people AFAB in the UK - many go undiagnosed.

FTWW is calling for better awareness, joined-up care, and investment in research to improve lives in Wales.

Learn more and explore support: ftww.org.uk/health-issues/pcos

To the left of a photo of Rachel, a white woman with long blonde hair, text reads: "Meet Rachel, FTWW’s PCOS Volunteer Champion." Followed by a quote from Rachel: “There are still a lot of assumptions around the associated symptoms of PCOS, for example weight gain or obesity, acne, excessive hair growth to name a few. However, for myself and I imagine many, many others, these symptoms were not applicable in my case, and I believe this stereotype of linking PCOS to these more 'common' symptoms led to the long delays in my diagnosis. More needs to be done to bring in a more inclusive approach to testing and diagnosis of PCOS and not basing diagnosis off just symptoms alone.”

Text reads: "Our Work in Wales: We raise awareness through events, media, training and fundraising. We engage directly with policy makers and researchers - We ensured PCOS featured in the Women’s Health Wales Coalition’s report to the Welsh Government ahead of the publication of the NHS Wales 10-year Women’s Health Plan. We're also working with the Verity PCOS charity and Cardiff University on a James Lind Alliance Research Priority-Setting Partnership which aims to identify the most pressing issues, uncertainties, and areas where research is needed for PCOS patients across the UK, including Wales."

A graphic featuring an illustration of diverse individuals gathered together, with the title “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Call to Action.” Above the illustration, text reads:
"On behalf of FTWW, Volunteer Zoe recently attended the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on PCOS’s launch of their report at the Houses of Parliament.
The launch brought together parliamentarians, clinicians, patient advocates, charities, NHS leaders and policymakers to highlight the urgent need for reform in PCOS diagnosis, treatment and long-term care. The report sets out ten clear recommendations to reduce diagnostic delays, integrate care, expand mental health support and strengthen clinical training and public awareness.
Diolch o galon, Zoe!"

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Sep 11

Has #IUD #PainRelief improved since 2021? FTWW Champion, Lucy, is gathering real-life experiences - if you’ve experienced this, please take the survey & share!
🔗 www.surveymonkey.com/r/HXPJ8DR

Looking for info & support? Check out our website
🔗 ftww.org.uk/health-issue...

#ReproductiveHealth

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Sep 9

Applications for our Volunteer & Community Coordinator role have now closed. We received over 150 applications! So shortlisting is taking a little longer than expected, as we review every application thoroughly. We aim to reply to all applicants by the end of September - diolch for your patience!

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Sep 3

We're delighted to share details of an upcoming #WomensHealth Symposium taking place at @bangoruniversity.bsky.social!

If you would like to attend, please contact Dr. Sophie Harrison by emailing [email protected] to register your space.

#HealthResearch #GenderHealthGap

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 22

🎙️ We spoke to BBC Radio #Wales about why menstrual leave matters for those with #endometriosis & #adenomyosis - and how existing legislation should already support it but often fails. FTWW backs the petition on this and urges MPs to act. Listen + info: ftww.org.uk/2025/08/22/t...

#MenstrualHealth

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 19

Help shape the future of #PCOS research! We’re working with patients & experts to identify the top 10 priorities for #PCOSResearch in the UK.

🔗 Take the Survey: www.verity-pcos.org.uk/jlapcos.html

📣 Please help us get as many voices heard as possible and share this post #JLAPCOS

A purple infographic titled “Can you help us shortlist the top PCOS research topics?” encourages participation in a survey. It emphasises the importance of lived experience in shaping research priorities. A checklist shows progress: “Form steering group,” “Launch 1st survey,” “Sort 1000+ responses,” and “Check against evidence” are ticked off. “Launch 2nd survey” is highlighted, followed by “Shortlist responses,” “Prioritisation workshop,” and “Publish Top 10.” A QR code labeled “Scan me” and a clock icon with “10 min” and “Take the survey” invite action. The hashtag #JLAPCOS and logos of supporting organisations, including Verity, Cardiff University, Cysters, FTWW, and PCOS Vitality, appear at the bottom.

Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 18

FTWW had an incredible July attending events focused on women’s health & wellbeing across Wales — from health boards and the Senedd, to the WOMB Festival 🌸

Catch the full recap here: ftww.org.uk/2025/07/29/j...
#FTWW #WomensHealth #WalesEvents

What we’ve been up to this month… - Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales

We’ve had a great month of attending a wide range of events including Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Community event, the Senedd Cross-Party Group on Wom...

ftww.org.uk

Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 18

In case you missed it... 🚨 We’re Hiring! 🚨

Full details in the post and link - feel free to send on to anyone you know who might be interested!

#Jobs #Wales

Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 5

📣 Please spread the word!

Volunteer & Community Coordinator:
🏡 Home-based (Wales)
🕒 Full-time or part-time/job share
💷 £30,000 + £312/year WFH payment
📅 Funded to 31 Mar 2027 (possible extension)

💜 Passionate about community? Apply now! ftww.org.uk/job/voluntee...

#Hiring #WalesJobs #Cymru #Jobs

Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 13

We at FTWW are so sorry to hear of the death of Hefin David. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and Senedd Colleagues.

All of us at FTWW are incredibly sad to hear of the death of Hefin David MS.

In his work as the Long Covid Cross Party Group Chair and as Member of the Autism Cross Party Group, Hefin was kind, compassionate, and a champion, regularly amplifying lived experiences to his colleagues in the Senedd.

Our thoughts go out to Hefin’s family, friends, and Senedd colleagues.
He will be missed.

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 8

We hope that the days of dismissing this cruel illness will be confined to the past, and that further research, treatment options and cures will be developed in the future.

Visit ftww.org.uk/health-issue... for more info about ME, and be sure to follow our friends at @wamesmecfs.bsky.social too.

Find out more about ME on our website, where you’ll also find a downloadable bilingual information leaflet, and signposts to support available. A QR code has been added to the page, linking to the website.

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 8

As part of #SevereMEWeek, we are cautiously optimistic that we may finally be turning a corner and have hope for the future.

@decodemestudy.bsky.social has published findings from their research, and WorldMEAlliance has released vital guidance to clinicians.

Eight genetic signals have been identified. As DNA doesn’t change with ME/CFS onset, these findings reflect causes rather than effects of ME/CFS.
The signals discovered are involved in the immune and the nervous systems, indicating immunological and neurological causes to this poorly understood disease.

At least two of the signals relate to the body’s response to infection. Other signals point to the nervous system, one of which researchers previously found in people experiencing chronic pain, reinforcing neurological contributions to ME/CFS. These signals align with how people with ME/CFS describe their illness.

“Most of us with ME have had our symptoms and experiences minimised, dismissed, and questioned, by medical professionals, employers, and even those close to us. I personally feel vindicated and hopeful for future developments in diagnostic tests, treatments, and cures
(which currently don't exist).
Any doubters can now have this research put in front of them.”
Dee - FTWW Engagement Coordinator and Volunteer ME Champion

The World ME Alliance has also published new vital guidance for clinicians, designed to support self-advocacy when people with Severe ME may be too unwell to speak for themselves, and to guide healthcare professionals toward safer, more appropriate care. (a screenshot of the document)

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 8

Today is #SevereMEDay, where we remember those we have died from severe ME and to advocate for better understanding, research, and support for those living with this debilitating condition.

Our thoughts are with them, and their loved ones left behind.

Severe ME Awareness Week
Remembering those we have lost, and sharing glimmers of hope for the future...

Living with Severe ME
About 25% of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) patients will be severely disabled.
They might be:
housebound and bedbound 24/7
Unable to sit up in bed much or at all
Unable to tolerate light or sounds, and have to stay in dark rooms with eye masks and ear protection
In need of 24 hour care
Unable to eat or drink, and need to be tube-fed

Louise's story: “I am bedridden in a dark room for weeks on end. It's not something one can easily describe, but I do appreciate when people try to understand.
Remember that ME is not tiredness - nothing can portray the complete annihilation of energy we experience and the effect that has on daily life. Last week I was physically struggling to swallow food. Many struggle with basic tasks like brushing teeth. I can't engage in my usual hobbies.
But, there is always hope, and simple understanding and accommodations
can make all the difference in the world.” Next to the story is a photo of Louise, a white person with shaved hair, smiling gently to the camera.

Speaking of hope, Decode ME’s Initial DNA study results have been published. Intial findings show:
Your genes contribute to your chances of developing ME/CFS.
People with an ME/CFS diagnosis have significant genetic differences in their DNA compared to the general population.

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 5

📣 Please spread the word!

Volunteer & Community Coordinator:
🏡 Home-based (Wales)
🕒 Full-time or part-time/job share
💷 £30,000 + £312/year WFH payment
📅 Funded to 31 Mar 2027 (possible extension)

💜 Passionate about community? Apply now! ftww.org.uk/job/voluntee...

#Hiring #WalesJobs #Cymru #Jobs

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 1

🗣️ Have your say!
#RCGPCymruWales wants to hear from you about your experiences accessing your GP.
💬 Share your views and help shape future services.
👥 You can also express interest in joining the RCGP #Cymru #Wales Patient Forum!

📋 Take the survey here: forms.office.com/e/EdvU50bgkC

#PrimaryCare

RCGP Cymru Wales survey poster with a QR code, healthcare images, and the text 'Have your say!' encouraging feedback on GP access.

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Jul 31

💪 #DisabilityPrideMonth isn’t just a celebration, it’s a protest! Like so many of the health issues we campaign on, advocacy is needed all year round.

👉 Read our latest blog to find out how we’re fighting for better health and rights for all: ftww.org.uk/2025/07/29/d...

#WomensHealth #Disability

Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Jul 30

Our monthly newsletter is out tomorrow!

We'll be sharing updates on what we've been up to this month, media coverage, exciting #WomensHealth research updates and opportunities, and more!

Read last month's edition (+ previous issues) and subscribe here: mailchi.mp/d0c8ff56c9aa...

Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Jul 21

We have another opportunity to help shape research on decision making about stopping #HRT, by completing this very short survey:

cardiffunipsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

Please feel free to share with anyone you know who may be interested. Diolch!

#Menopause

A vibrant announcement with a watercolor background invites individuals to share their experiences with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause. It asks if they have stopped, considered stopping, or decided to continue HRT, and encourages participation in shaping healthcare research in Wales. The deadline to respond is August 18th. Logos of Cardiff University and FTWW appear in the bottom left corner, with an illustration of three people on the right.

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Jul 17

July is #FibroidsAwarenessMonth - Meet Carina, our FTWW Fibroids Champion!

Find resources and information here: ftww.org.uk/health-issue...

Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Jul 16

This opportunity was first shared in our Facebook group - if you are a female patient (or assigned female at birth) living in / accessing healthcare in Wales, please do join us! www.facebook.com/groups/ftww.... - please answer the joining questions and agree to the rules so as we can admit you.

Redirecting...

www.facebook.com

Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Jul 16

The first of our drop-in stakeholder sessions to discuss the Women’s Health Hubs project within Betsi Cadwaladr took place today, but don't worry if you missed out! Three more sessions are due to take place - find out more on our website:
ftww.org.uk/2025/07/16/b...

#WomensHealth

A social media graphic with a pink background featuring a message box that reads: “FTWW – North Wales! There’s still time to tell BCUHB’s Women’s Health Clinical Lead about your experiences! Don’t miss out – visit ftww.org.uk/news to find out more…” Below is the cover image of the NHS Wales Women’s Health Plan 2025–2035, showing a blended portrait of five diverse women. Logos for NHS Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and FTWW (Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales) appear at the bottom.

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Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Jul 14

We're delighted to be attending the WOMB cic Summer Festival on Saturday 26th July!

Find out more here: ftww.org.uk/event/womb-s...

Poster for "WOMB Summer Festival" on Saturday 26th July 2025, 10 AM to 5 PM at Grange Pavilion, Cardiff. Tagline: “A celebration of menstruality, maternity and menopause.” Visuals include mirrored images of women breastfeeding and embracing themselves, surrounded by sunflowers and purple flowers. Themes listed: Cyclical Living, Matricentric, Ecofeminist. Activities include ceremony, talks, workshops, crafts, family fun, food, and art. Logos for supporting partners: National Lottery Community Fund, Leigh Day, Holland & Barrett, Bawso, The Birth Partner Project, and EYST. Website: wombcic.co.uk/festival.