Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and overlooked conditions, often leading to years of misdiagnosis and inadequate care.
This chronic inflammatory disease, where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus, causes debilitating pain, fatigue, and infertility, profoundly affecting every aspect of life from work to relationships. Despite its prevalence, many patients wait over a decade for a diagnosis, only to face long waits for surgery and minimal follow-up care, leaving them feeling abandoned.
Endo Buddies’ 2023 survey revealed that 97% of respondents faced negative mental health impacts, with many considering drastic measures due to the severity of their symptoms. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support.
Katy, the founder of Endo Buddies, knows this struggle firsthand. After enduring over 20 years without a diagnosis, she created the charity to ensure no one with endometriosis feels isolated or unheard. Her personal experience fuels her passion for making a difference.
Endo Buddies offers a range of services to support people living with endometriosis. Their flagship project, the Endometriosis Surgery Care Package, has provided comfort and recovery essentials to around 800 patients so far. These kits include practical items and information to aid post-surgery recovery.
Beyond care packages, the charity partners with Shout to offer 24/7 mental health support via text, educates employers on supporting staff with endometriosis, and advocates for better healthcare provision through government lobbying.
Funding from the John Good Group will enable Endo Buddies to expand its care package project by partnering with more hospitals across the UK. They also plan to enhance the care packages with booklets on managing endometriosis, emotional wellbeing tips, and links to specialist support groups. Additionally, the funding will cover postage and distribution. It is estimated that this grant will allow the charity to reach 500 to 1000 more patients nationally, providing vital support to more people during their recovery journey.
Being shortlisted is an incredible honour. I’m incredibly passionate about supporting others who live with the debilitating and isolating symptoms of endometriosis, so the chance to expand our reach and empower more individuals is truly life changing.
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women (and those assigned female at birth), which means it’s likely you know someone who has it. By supporting us, you’ll be directly helping individuals in your own community navigate this often-isolating condition.
Living with endometriosis is hard …and it’s not just about periods. It’s a full body condition and can be very serious, but it’s not taken seriously. Receiving this grant will really be incredible for the people that desperately need our support.
I truly enjoyed my meeting with Katy. She is deeply passionate about supporting women with endometriosis. Through her care packages, she reassures individuals that they are not alone in their struggles. Katy also focuses on educating workplaces about how to support colleagues with this condition and advocates for improved healthcare by lobbying the government. Her recent award from local MP Emma Hardy and a grant for the Shout Endo Mental Health partnership highlight the impactful work she’s doing, even as a newly registered charity. I believe Katy has the drive and determination to make Endo Buddies a great success, and it’s inspiring to see her efforts already being recognised.
Latest Project Updates
November 2024
Granted £2,000
After employees at the John Good Group voted for their favourite causes, Endo Buddies received a grant of £2,000.
October 2024
Grants for Good Finalist
Endo Buddies has become one of the top five finalists in the latest Grants for Good round, and will receive a grant between £2000 and £5000 after employees at the John Good Group have voted on their favourite causes.