Natracare is the latest organisation pledging to support colleagues impacted by endometriosis, by re-joining the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.
Founded in 1989, Natracare was built as a campaigning brand and continues to inspire positive change for people and the planet, advocating for transparency and accountability throughout period and personal care industries.
Through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme, which is run by charity Endometriosis UK, the sustainable period and personal care brand will improve its support for those in the workplace affected by this common disease, as well as breaking down taboos and stigmas around menstrual health.
Endometriosis impacts the physical and mental health of 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life.
Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, painful bowel movements and pain when urinating. Despite being so common, it takes an average of eight years and 10 months to get diagnosed in the UK, for reasons including lack of understanding of the disease.
Natracare has appointed two Endometriosis Champions, who will receive training from Endometriosis UK, to enable them to provide support and information to colleagues.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK said: “I’m delighted to Natracare to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.
“By showing its team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.”
Sophie Ottaway, People & Culture Manager at Natracare comments: “As a period brand that is committed to employee wellbeing and inclusivity we are delighted to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme to ensure we can support our colleagues in the workplace with endometriosis, as well as break down taboos about menstrual health. We look forward to working with Endometriosis UK, and hope that other employers in all industries will commit to joining the scheme as well.”
Endometriosis UK is the leading charity championing the rights and needs of the more than 1.5m in the UK with endometriosis.
As well as providing support services, reliable information and a community for those affected by endometriosis, Endometriosis UK works to ensure that everyone with endometriosis gets prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support, to end chronic menstrual related pain being brushed off as normal, and to raise awareness of endometriosis with the wider public.
Jess Bohin, Marketing Manager at Natracare, is one of the 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth that suffers with the condition and has signed up to be one of their Endometriosis Champions. She said: “I’m proud to work for a company that is already very supportive of menstrual health conditions, with a period policy in place to support those like myself that are affected by conditions like Endometriosis. The policy allows flexible working, period leave, extra time for medical appointments and more. It’s great to see Natracare solidify their support by re-joining the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme.”
Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle, this can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue. Endometriosis is most commonly found on the lining of the pelvis (peritoneum) and may occur in the ovaries and involve other pelvic organs, like the bowel or bladder. Less commonly, endometriosis can also be found outside the pelvis, such as in the chest.
Find more information on the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.
Notes to editors
Endometriosis UK are the UK’s leading charity for all those affected by endometriosis. There work focusses on helping ensure that everyone gets a timely diagnosis and the treatment and support needed for the chronic conditions which affects millions. Visit Endometriosis UK.
Natracare is the first company in the world to provide plastic-free, certified organic cotton tampons and totally chlorine-free pads and panty liners. Natracare products are biodegradable and can even be composted. Susie Hewson created the brand in 1989 in response to the growing danger to human health and the environment from dioxin pollution in the pulping industries with the chlorine bleaching of paper products. View Natracare products.
