Speaking of Women's Health - Dorset Women CIC

“Two thirds of women will fix the problems if they just know where their pelvic floor is and start using it.”  Our pelvic health is not a taboo subject. It’s a vital part of our wellbeing at every stage of life, so why does it remain such a mysterious art to so many of us?In this episode of “Speaking of Women’s Health,” Marianne and Anjali welcome Carol Clark and Sally Shepherd, who lift the lid on what pelvic health actually is, revealing how the pelvic floor underpins our comfort and confidence.Tune in to discover practical, "invisible" steps you can take today and learn how collective knowledge-sharing is helping women across Dorset advocate for the care they deserve.🔑 Key Themes- Demystifying Pelvic Health and Understanding the Pelvic Floor- Stigma, Silence, and Cultural Barriers- Community Support and Education for the Next Generation- Nudges, Apps, and System‑Level Change🎯 Action Items for Listeners- Learn to find and use your pelvic floor muscles- Incorporate pelvic floor exercises into daily life, long term- Avoid habits that strain the pelvic floor- Use trusted digital tools like the NHS‑endorsed Squeezy app- Seek help if symptoms don’t improve- Open up conversations about pelvic health with other women- Visit the Women’s Health website for evidence-based health information. - Share the podcast and website with other women in the community. - Consider how to advocate for women’s health in your local area. - Encourage male family members and partners to learn about women’s health issues. 🔗 Connect with usCarol Clark , LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-clark-02b6a537/Sally Sheppard, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-sheppard-44b33716a/Marianne Storey, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-storey-46938435/Anjali Mavi, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mavi-66a5a86/Dorset Women CIC Website:https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/Women’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/

“If you’re invited for screening and you’re nervous or not sure what it means, ask - we’d much rather you asked us than ignored the letter.”When it comes to preventing common health challenges for women, learning from the right source of knowledge could literally save lives.In this episode of “Speaking of Women’s Health,” Marianne and Anjali go behind the scenes of cancer prevention with Dr. Helen Platts, a GP and cancer specialist, and Paul Bolton, who’s Clinical Service Manager for the Integrated Vaccine Service.Their candid conversation reveals the strategic efforts in Dorset that are catching issues early and saving lives, as well as their mission to reach underserved communities with knowledge and support.Tune in to discover more about the screening programmes that benefit us most, new, accessible developments like home self-sampling kits, and how you can become a powerful advocate for your own long-term health.🔑 Key Themes- Vaccines and Screening Working Together as Lifesaving Tools- Inequities in Uptake of Support- Battling Myths and Misinformation- Empowering People to Ask Questions and Take Action🎯 Action Items for Listeners1. Accept invites for screening, even if you have no symptoms.2. Ask if you (or your child) are up to date with vaccines.3. Ask questions to help calm nerves around the screening process. 4. Visit the Women’s Health website for evidence-based health information. 5. Share the podcast and website with other women in the community. 6. Consider how to advocate for women’s health in your local area. 7. Encourage male family members and partners to learn about women’s health issues. 🔗 Connect with usDr Helen Platts , LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-helen-platts-944152240/Paul Bolton, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-bolton-b034a23a/Marianne Storey, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-storey-46938435/Anjali Mavi, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mavi-66a5a86/Dorset Women CIC Website:https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/Women’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/

“It's really about holistic health, thinking about the menstrual cycle as a sign of overall health, as well as just reproductive health - it’s a vital sign.”  Welcome to the latest bonus episode with Dr Emma Hayward, where she this time demystifies a number of the tests used in preventative treatment, and lauds some of the revolutionary new self-testing available which is breaking down barriers to cancer prevention.We also dive into pelvic floor health, pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence, separating what’s “common” from what’s truly “normal” – and when it’s time to ask for help.🔑 Key Themes-Understanding Cancer Prevention and Early Detection-Barriers to Cancer Screening and How to Overcome Them- Knowing Your Own Body: Self‑Checks and Body Literacy- Treatment and Support Options for Pelvic Floor Problems🎯 Action Items for Listeners1. Do regular pelvic floor exercises2. Know key red‑flag symptoms and seek help promptly3. Learn and practice self‑checks4. Engage with screening invites or consider HPV self‑testing (where available)5. Visit the Women’s Health website for evidence-based health information. 6. Share the podcast and website with other women in the community. 7. Consider how to advocate for women’s health in your local area. 8. Encourage male family members and partners to learn about women’s health issues. 🔗 Connect with usDr Emma Hayward, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dremmathurston/Marianne Storey, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-storey-46938435/Anjali Mavi, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mavi-66a5a86/Dorset Women CIC Website:https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/Women’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/

“Women are 50% of the population, and over 50% of the population in Dorset. So this is a group that just deserves to have appropriate sexual health care.”  Your sexual health is about more than just having sex. It’s a broad, nuanced area, and we deserve access to services which are equally as complex and far-reaching.Dorset’s health programmes are tackling historic issues like contraceptive fittings, long wait times, insufficient education & outreach, and lack of access.That’s where the dedication of Nicky Smith and Rebecca Jones is making a REAL impact, creating services that work for every single woman in Dorset.Join us on ‘Speaking of Women’s Health’ as we break taboos, show how we’re reaching all communities, and share confidential, safe resources for reliable sexual health services.🔑 Key Themes- Expanding Access to Inclusive, Confidential Health Services- The Power of Education and Outreach- Addressing Myths and Cultural Barriers- Community Voices Shaping Our Services- Innovation and Ongoing Improvement🎯 Action Items for Listeners1. Visit the Our Dorset Women’s Health website for evidence-based health information. 2. Share the podcast and website with other women in the community. 3. Share your experiences and feedback through the Dorset Women’s Health online resource to help improve services4. Encourage ongoing conversations about women’s health - including men and family members - to help break down myths and support each other🔗 Connect with usNicky Smith, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicky-smith-7120002bb/Marianne Storey, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-storey-46938435/Anjali Mavi, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mavi-66a5a86/Dorset Women CIC Website:https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/Women’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/

“Women’s mental health is spoken about, but not enough. Services need to be developed and delivered around them and their needs, and their voices need to be heard.”  Becoming a mother is among the greatest endeavours one can experience, so how can we shape the mental health services to ACTUALLY support those who need it most?Maternal mental health services care for mothers at their most vulnerable moments, particularly for those who might face separation from their babies.This week’s episode of ‘Speaking of Women’s Health’ features the wonderful Jagoda Banovic and Dr Joanna Yilmaz, whose direct work with women in Dorset brings services in line with what they really need.Join us to explore the power of compassion & collective action, and how maternal mental health is being reshaped with women at the heart of it.🔑 Key Themes-Compassionate, Specialised Care for Women’s Mental Health-Innovation and Collaboration Across Sectors of Healthcare-Tackling Trauma, Stigma and Complex Challenges-Breaking Systemic Barriers to Create Change 🎯 Action Items for Listeners1. Visit the Women’s Health website for evidence-based health information. 2. Share the podcast and website with other women in the community. 3. Open up discussions about mental health with trusted close friends and family to destigmatise mental health challenges🔗 Connect with usMarianne Storey, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-storey-46938435/Anjali Mavi, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mavi-66a5a86/Dorset Women CIC Website:https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/Women’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/

Welcome to our next bonus podcast episode with Dr Emma Hayward, focusing this time on women’s mental health.From periods to pregnancy and all the way through menopause, our hormones can have a powerful – and often confusing – impact on our mental health.Dr Emma Hayward helps clear up the line between what’s “just hormones”, what might be a clinical mental health condition, and why we don’t need to pathologise every up and down. They explore everything from PMS and PMDD to postnatal depression, menopause, and even men’s hormones.🔑 Key Themes- Hormones and Women’s Mental Health Across Life Stages- Distinguishing “Normal” Ups and Downs from Clinical Conditions- Culture, Stigma and Family Support- Educating Men and Including Them in the Conversation🎯 Action Items for Listeners1. Seek help if something feels “not normal for you.”2. Pay attention to your own patterns and cycles.3. Talk openly with family and partners about mental health.4. Use community and social support, not just medical care.5. Visit the Women’s Health website for evidence-based health information. 6. Share the podcast and website with other women in the community. 7. Consider how to advocate for women’s health in your local area. 8. Encourage male family members and partners to learn about women’s health issues. 🔗 Connect with usDr Emma Hayward, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dremmathurston/Marianne Storey, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-storey-46938435/Anjali Mavi, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mavi-66a5a86/Dorset Women CIC Website:https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/Women’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/

“When people aren’t listened to, these challenges could lead to critical missed opportunities for care.”  In a fully functioning healthcare system, why is a Black woman 3-4x more likely to die in childbirth? Or to be diagnosed with advanced breast cancer?Why should those with disabilities not be able to access the same equipment and facilities as all women? These are the inequalities that Dr Linda Agyemang and Lorraine Stanley are battling, for the benefit of all women.From groundbreaking research, candid personal experiences and the voices of marginalised groups, we’re revealing hidden barriers that keep many of us from accessing timely care - and the initiatives empowering Dorset’s women to overcome them.This episode of ‘Speaking of Women’s Health’ gives a voice to those who need it most, documents the mission for equitable health outcomes, and sheds light on how we’re shaping a system that works for everyone.🔑 Key ThemesHealth Inequalities for Minority and Disabled WomenThe Power of Lived Experience and AdvocacyBarriers to Healthcare Access for Marginalised GroupsHow Intersectionality Affects Access to Care and Information🎯 Action Items for ListenersVisit the Women’s Health website for evidence-based health information. Share the podcast and website with other women in the community. Consider how to advocate for women’s health in your local area. Encourage male family members and partners to learn about women’s health issues. Get involved in local or online networks supporting minority and disabled women’s healthAdvocate for more accessible healthcare equipment and environments in local clinics and hospitalsSupport and promote digital inclusion by helping others access digital health information and resources, particularly within marginalised communities🔗 Connect with usDr Linda Agyemang, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-agyemang-phd-79a0aa11a/Lorraine Stanley, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-stanley/Marianne Storey, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-storey-46938435/Anjali Mavi, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mavi-66a5a86/Dorset Women CIC Website:https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/Women’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/

“It's really about holistic health, thinking about the menstrual cycle as a sign of overall health, as well as just reproductive health - it’s a vital sign.”  Welcome to our second bonus episode with Dr Emma Hayward, this time diving deeper into the topics we’ve covered about gynaecology and the menstrual cycle.Your menstrual cycle is an invaluable window into your overall health, and our resident GP and women’s health expert helps us to clear that window so that you can understand what your cycle’s telling you about your body.Join us to understand how to ‘find your normal’, and what’s worth checking out with your GP.🔑 Key ThemesThe menstrual cycle as a vital sign of holistic healthBody literacy and “knowing your normal”Seeking help early and improving quality of life🎯 Action Items for ListenersPay attention to your menstrual cycle as a health signalDevelop body literacy and know your personal ‘normal’Don’t ignore worries about your reproductive or sexual healthNotice your normal vs any new changesVisit the Women’s Health website for evidence-based health information. Share the podcast and website with other women in the community. Consider how to advocate for women’s health in your local area. Encourage male family members and partners to learn about women’s health issues.🔗 Connect with usDr Emma Hayward, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dremmathurston/Marianne Storey, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-storey-46938435/Anjali Mavi, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mavi-66a5a86/Dorset Women CIC Website:https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/Women’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/

“For every pound invested in obstetrics and gynaecology for each woman, we would generate £319m return to the economy. It's a huge investment because women are at the centre of families.”  Every woman deserves timely, compassionate and effective care - particularly in the realm of reproductive health, so what are the barriers that need breaking down to achieve that level of care?We welcome Professor Vanora Hundley and Daniel Webster this week to share the advancements that are being made in one of the most personal topics we’ll cover across the whole series of ‘Speaking of Women’s Health’...Vanora and Daniel are two of Dorset’s leading voices in obstetrics, gynaecology & midwifery, and their work is putting our voices at the heart of the care we’re able to access.We’ll cut through lingering taboos to dive into the systemic issues that have flown under the radar for too long - from disproportionate Black mortality rates in childbirth, to information access for those with disabilities - and share the projects that are driving action across Dorset, and beyond.🔑 Key ThemesDemystifying Medical Jargon in Gynaecology, Obstetrics, and Midwifery Empowering Communities with Accessible KnowledgeAddressing Healthcare Inequities and Systemic ChallengesBridging Community Gaps Through CollaborationThe Power of Sharing Personal Stories to Inspire ChangeAdvocacy & Innovation in Ongoing Projects and Research🎯 Action Items for ListenersVisit the Women’s Health website for evidence-based health information Share the podcast and website with other women in the community Consider how to advocate for women’s health in your local area Encourage male family members and partners to learn about women’s health issues🔗 Connect with usProfessor Vanora Hundley , LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanora-hundley-39bb4016/Daniel Webster, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-webster-724aa5139/Marianne Storey, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-storey-46938435/Anjali Mavi, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mavi-66a5a86/Dorset Women CIC Website:https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/Women’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/

“I sought help from a menopause specialist and got my life back on track completely. At my darkest moments, I just thought, ‘If I ever come out of this, I have got to do something positive with all the knowledge I've gained’.”  What myths, taboos, and hurdles need removing in order to make menopause support truly accessible and empowering for every woman? This challenge lies at the heart of Dorset Menopause Support’s mission, and hits close to home for its Founder, Rowan Chambers. How we navigate this normal phase of life has evolved along with the care and support available, as has been observed by Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Dr Tim Hillard.In this episode of ‘Speaking of Women’s Health’, Tim and Rowan’s combined insights unite around the desperate need to destigmatize menopause, and improve health outcomes for women and their families.Whether you’re a woman navigating this midlife change, or curious about how we can empower communities through transparent conversations, this episode shows the big picture on how to enhance menopause support.🔑 Key ThemesDestigmatising Menopause & Creating an Open DialogueTaking a Holistic View on Menopause SupportEducation & Access to Information Across All CommunitiesHolistic & Individualised SupportCommunity Initiatives & Empowerment at a Local Level🎯 Action Items for ListenersVisit the Women’s Health website for evidence-based health information. Share the podcast and website with other women in the community. Start open conversations about menopause within your family, friends, and communityShare information about local menopause clinics, workshops, or support sessions, especially within underrepresented communitiesEncourage and support the education of boys and men about menopause to foster understanding and empathyConsider participating in, or helping to organise, community workshops or peer-support groups to empower others📖 Resources MentionedWomen’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/Dorset Menopause Supporthttps://www.dorsetmenopausesupport.co.uk/International Menopause Societyhttps://www.imsociety.org/🔗 Connect with usDr Tim Hillard , LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-hillard-5056b534/Rowan Chambers:https://www.dorsetmenopausesupport.co.uk/Marianne Storey, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-storey-46938435/Anjali Mavi, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mavi-66a5a86/Dorset Women CIC Website:https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/Women’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/

“Menopause affects 51% of the population if we’re lucky enough to live old enough… so it isn’t a niche topic.”  Welcome to the first of four very special bonus episodes of Speaking of Women’s Health! In each episode, we’ll dive deeper into the topics we’ve covered on the show with our in-house Senior Lecturer and Practicing GP, Dr Emma Hayward.She’s incredibly well-versed in women’s health issues, and makes complex issues simple to digest, so that you know exactly what to expect when coming to a GP for support.This first bonus episode unpacks what really happens when you see your GP about menopause, when you should go to them for support, and the options for managing menopause both with, and without, HRT.🔑 Key ThemesThe GP’s Role in Menopause CareDiagnosis and Management of MenopauseHRT Options and Individualised TreatmentGenitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) and Vaginal HealthAdvocacy, Inconsistent Care, and Empowering Women

“We are doing this because we genuinely believe that women and girls in Dorset deserve better, and when we come back to that key objective there’s nothing that we can’t get through.”  How do we put women’s voices and experiences at the heart of systematic change? That was the challenge for NHS Dorset and Dorset Women CIC - two organisations who collaborated to address local challenges in women’s healthcare. In this episode of “Speaking of Women’s Health” Marianne and Anjali welcome NHS Dorset’s Chief Medical Officer, Paul Johnson and Programme Manager, Helen Cook. Their candid discussion reveals the challenges and breakthroughs of their latest project,  whilst offering a refreshing and hopeful perspective on the future of healthcare.Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a woman navigating complex health systems or simply curious about how meaningful change happens, this episode offers a comprehensive understanding of the strategic efforts to enhance women’s health services. 🔑 Key ThemesEmpowerment through informationCollaborative healthcare designCreating systematic change in women’s healthCultural competence and inclusivity Continuous improvement and advocacy📖 Resources MentionedWomen’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/🎯 Action Items for ListenersVisit the Women’s Health website for evidence-based health information. Share the podcast and website with other women in the community. Consider how to advocate for women’s health in your local area. Encourage male family members and partners to learn about women’s health issues. 🔗 Connect with usHelen Crook, LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-crook-03a17736a/Paul Johnson, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-johnson-0a36bb244/Marianne Storey, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-storey-46938435/Anjali Mavi, LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mavi-66a5a86/Dorset Women CIC Website:https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/Women’s Health Support in Dorset:https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/

Hello and welcome to “Speaking of Women’s Health…” the brand new podcast series from the Dorset Women CIC. Your hosts, Marianne Storey and Anjali Mavi, will be exploring what the NHS is doing for the health and wellbeing of women in Dorset. They'll be tackling the female health topics that matter to you the most, from support for mental health and marginalised groups, to exploring why we’re still so under-served for gynaecology and menopause provisions. We'll be giving you a sneak peak of how our health experts are working hard to change things for the better and ask the questions you all want to know about the challenges they still face in doing so. Visit the Our Dorset Women's Health website here: https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/ and find out more about Dorset Women CIC here: https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/