Wellbeing of Women

Last updated
Wellbeing of Women
FoundedOctober 1964 (1964-10)
FounderWill Nixon
TypeHealth charity
Registration no.
  • 239281 (England and Wales)
  • SC042856 (Scotland)
Focus Reproductive health
Location
Key people
Revenue
£1,898,078 [1]
Employees13 [1]
Volunteers
250 [1]
Website https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/
Formerly called
  • Childbirth Research Centre
  • Birthright
  • Wellbeing

Wellbeing of Women is the only UK charity dedicated to funding research, education and advocacy across all of women's reproductive and gynaecological health, including menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, gynaecological cancers, menopause and incontinence. It raises money to invest in medical research and the development of specialist doctors and nurses working in these fields. The charity also disseminates information and hosts regular webinars on women's health. [2] [3]

Contents

The charity is based in London, and consists of: a team of staff and volunteers; a board of trustees headed up by Professor Dame Lesley Regan, and a Research Advisory Committee of leading experts.

The Duchess of Edinburgh became the charity's patron in 2021. [4] [5]

Ambassadors include Baroness Karren Brady of Knightsbridge, Carol Vorderman, Fiona Bruce, and Kate Silverton. [6]

History

1960s

The charity was established in 1964 by eminent obstetrician Professor Will Nixon, who was touched by the grief of a young man whose wife died during childbirth. It was originally called The Childbirth Research Centre. He gathered a group of illustrious founder members including Lord Brain, a neurologist who cared for Winston Churchill on his deathbed in 1965; Sir John Peel, the surgeon-gynaecologist to the Queen; Professor Dugald Baird and Sir George Pinker, an obstetrician who delivered nine royal babies including Princes William and Harry. The founders' aim was to reduce the number of women and babies who died during pregnancy and childbirth.[ citation needed ]

An early donation established that a deficiency in folic acid was a factor in malformed babies. [7] Pregnant women across the world now take folic acid supplements. [8]

The charity also funded crucial research into epidurals [7] which means that millions of women now benefit from a relatively pain-free birth. [9]

1970s

In 1972 the charity was renamed Birthright. [10]

Research projects they funded created the ground rules that mean many thousands of women have safe laser treatment to treat cervical cancer. They also enabled breakthroughs into monitoring babies in the womb. One early pieces of research into the diagnosis of Down's Syndrome in pregnant women helped make the amniocentesis test more accurate. The charity also discovered a link between smoking and pre-eclampsia and babies being born underweight. [7]

1980s

Diana, Princess of Wales, became the patron of Birthright in 1984. [10]

She was devoted to the charity, explaining: "To long for a baby and not to be able to have one must be devastating. I don't know how I would cope with that. And if my work for Birthright can alleviate that suffering for just one couple, it will have been all worthwhile."[ citation needed ]

During her time as patron, the charity funded work into IVF and also investigated HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer leading to the cervical cancer screening programme. The charity's research into recurrent miscarriage also meant that, out of a research group of 2000 women who had been told they would never have children, 79% went on to have babies. [7] Professor Stuart Campbell of King's College, London, received funding from the charity for a project that developed an ultrasound that would identify babies at risk of stillbirth by finding out if they had abnormal blood flow. [7]

1990s

In November 1993, the charity was rebranded as 'Wellbeing'. During the 1990s, the charity funded research which discovered that ultrasound could be used to detect abnormalities in early pregnancy. This resulted in pre-natal screening for Down's Syndrome. The charity enabled breakthroughs in IVF, by funding research into the optimum time for embryo transfer, and by looking at how eggs mature in the ovary. This was described at the time as 'the biggest advance in fertility treatment'. They also funded research into gynaecological cancers; contraception; and the bone density of post-menopausal women. [7]

2000s

The charity was renamed 'Wellbeing of Women', in 2004. [10]

Wellbeing of Women partnered with 100 Women in Hedge Funds to fund a project which advanced our understanding of the genetics of Cerebral Palsy. [11] The charity also funded research that helped reverse brain damage in newborn babies and a project that helped women suffering from recurrent miscarriage go on to have a successful pregnancy, by identifying 'Natural Killer cells' in the mother's immune system. [7]

In 2007, then British Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown became patron of Wellbeing of Women. [10]

In 2008, Wellbeing of Women was announced as one of the beneficiary charities of the Lord Mayor's Appeal, along with ORBIS. [12] Prince William was Patron of the appeal. [12] Funds raised from the appeal enabled Wellbeing of Women to establish the Baby Bio Bank, a unique international resource storing genetic data from 'family trios' of mother, father and baby. This bank of genetic information will facilitate on-going research into the persistent complications of pregnancy and birth, including miscarriage, premature birth and pre-eclampsia. [13]

Present

Corporate Partners

In March 2013, Wellbeing of Women launched a major new partnership with PwC. PwC are long-term sponsors of two of Wellbeing of Women's flagship events - the Annual Women's Lunch Debate and Annual Celebrity Cricket Match – but in 2013 broadened and increased their support of the charity, by supporting two Wellbeing of Women funded researchers. [14]

Wellbeing of Women has an ongoing partnership with BHS. Karren Brady designed a collection of workwear dresses to be sold at BHS in aid of the charity in 2012, [15] and in 2013, Emma Forbes launched another collection of dresses to be sold in aid of the charity. [16]

In December 2011, in the run-up to the 2012 Summer Olympics in Stratford, London, Clara Maidment shot a charity calendar in aid of Wellbeing of Women. Twelve British female sporting celebrities who posed in the lingerie of Nichole de Carle, wearing jewellery by Salima Hughes and Coster Diamonds.[ citation needed ]

Events

Wellbeing of Women runs a series of Literary Lunches at Fortnum & Mason, [17] which feature a prominent author in conversation with Eve Pollard OBE or Baroness Jenkin of Kennington. Previous authors have included PD James, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Penny Vincenzi, Julian Fellowes and Ffion Hague.[ citation needed ]

They also run a series called 'An Audience with...' at Fortnum and Mason. [18]

On 12 October 2011, the Right Reverend Vincent Nichols gave the first annual Sir George Pinker Memorial Address. [19]

In 2020, Jennifer Saunders gave her first ever BBC Radio 4 appeal for the charity. [20]

Campaigns

In 2021, Royal Patron The Countess of Wessex co-hosted a roundtable event with business leaders, celebrities and women, to launch the charity's first campaign: The Menopause Workplace Pledge. [21] [22] [23] Over 1700 organisations, including the BBC, AstraZeneca, Royal Mail, and Tesco [24] have signed the pledge and committed to supporting colleagues through the menopause. In 2022, Mr Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle signed the pledge, committing to make the House of Commons "menopause friendly" for staff. [25]

In 2022, the charity launched a new campaign, called Let's #ChatMenopause, featuring films of women talking about their menopause experiences, including Carolyn Harris MP, Penny Lancaster, Zoe Hardman, Dr Nighat Arif, Michelle Griffith Robinson and women from the Armed Forces. [26] [27]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cervix</span> Lower part of the uterus in the female reproductive system

The cervix or cervix uteri is a dynamic fibromuscular sexual organ of the female reproductive system that connects the vagina with the uterine cavity. The human female cervix has been documented anatomically since at least the time of Hippocrates, over 2,000 years ago. The cervix is approximately 4 cm long with a diameter of approximately 3 cm and tends to be described as a cylindrical shape, although the front and back walls of the cervix are contiguous. The size of the cervix changes throughout a woman's life cycle. For example, during the fertile years of a woman's reproductive cycle, females tend to have a larger cervix vis á vis postmenopausal females; likewise, females who have produced offspring have a larger sized cervix than females who have not produced offspring.

Obstetrics and gynaecology is the medical specialty that encompasses the two subspecialties of obstetrics and gynaecology. The specialization is an important part of care for women's health.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cervical cancer</span> Cancer arising from the cervix

Cervical cancer is a cancer arising from the cervix or in any layer of the wall of the cervix. It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Early on, typically no symptoms are seen. Later symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse. While bleeding after sex may not be serious, it may also indicate the presence of cervical cancer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Childbirth</span> Conclusion of the human pregnancy with the expulsion of a fetus from mothers womb

Childbirth, also known as labour, parturition and delivery, is the completion of pregnancy where one or more babies exits the internal environment of the mother via vaginal delivery or caesarean section. In 2019, there were about 140.11 million human births globally. In developed countries, most deliveries occur in hospitals, while in developing countries most are home births.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh</span> Member of the British royal family (born 1965)

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh is a member of the British royal family. She is married to Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, the youngest sibling of King Charles III.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Postpartum period</span> Time period beginning after the birth of a child and extending for about one month

The postpartum period begins after childbirth and is typically considered to last for six weeks. There are three distinct phases of the postnatal period; the acute phase, lasting for six to twelve hours after birth; the subacute phase, lasting six weeks; and the delayed phase, lasting up to six months. During the delayed phase, some changes to the genitourinary system take much longer to resolve and may result in conditions such as urinary incontinence. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes the postnatal period as the most critical and yet the most neglected phase in the lives of mothers and babies; most maternal and newborn deaths occur during this period.

Women's health differs from that of men's health in many unique ways. Women's health is an example of population health, where health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". Often treated as simply women's reproductive health, many groups argue for a broader definition pertaining to the overall health of women, better expressed as "The health of women". These differences are further exacerbated in developing countries where women, whose health includes both their risks and experiences, are further disadvantaged.

Action Medical Research, previously The National Fund for Research into Crippling Diseases, is a major British medical research charity, founded in 1952, that funds research to prevent and treat disease and disability in babies and children.

Breast pain is the symptom of discomfort in either one or both breasts. Pain in both breasts is often described as breast tenderness, is usually associated with the menstrual period and is not serious. Pain that involves only one part of a breast is more concerning, particularly if a hard mass or nipple discharge is also present.

Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust runs Liverpool Women's Hospital, a major obstetrics, gynaecology and neonatology research hospital in Liverpool, England. It is one of several specialist hospitals located within the Liverpool City Region; alongside Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, the Walton Centre, Mersey Regional Burns and Plastic Surgery Unit, and Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reproductive medicine</span> Branch of medicine

Reproductive medicine is a branch of medicine concerning the male and female reproductive systems. It encompasses a variety of reproductive conditions, their prevention and assessment, as well as their subsequent treatment and prognosis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cervical polyp</span> Medical condition

A cervical polyp is a common benign polyp or tumour on the surface of the cervical canal. They can cause irregular menstrual bleeding but often show no symptoms. Treatment consists of simple removal of the polyp and prognosis is generally good. About 1% of cervical polyps will show neoplastic change which may lead to cancer. They are most common in post-menarche, pre-menopausal women who have been pregnant.

Sir George Douglas Pinker, KCVO was an internationally respected obstetrician and gynecologist, best known for modernizing the delivery of royal babies.

Dame Lesley Regan is a British gynaecologist, professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Imperial College London and Honorary Consultant at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust at St Mary's Hospital. She was the president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists from 2016 to 2019 – only the second woman to ever hold this role and the first in sixty-four years.

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to obstetrics:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry Kitchener</span>

Professor Henry Kitchener, MD FRCOG FRCS(Glas) FMedSci, is a leading British expert in gynaecological oncology, based at the University of Manchester. He is a fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

Sir Marcus Edward Setchell, is a leading British obstetrician and gynaecologist and the former Surgeon-Gynaecologist to Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Household.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Postcoital bleeding</span> Non-menstrual vaginal bleeding during or after sexual intercourse

Postcoital bleeding (PCB) is non-menstrual vaginal bleeding that occurs during or after sexual intercourse. Though some causes are with associated pain, it is typically painless and frequently associated with intermenstrual bleeding.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ian Jacobs (oncologist)</span>

Ian Jacobs is an academic, medical doctor, gynaecological oncologist, charity founder and university leader from the UK, with dual British and Australian citizenship.

Nicolette Peel was a British midwife and an advocate for women and families with cancer in pregnancy and postpartum period. In 2007, Peel was first diagnosed with breast cancer. After treatment, she was eventually cancer-free. However, in 2012, Peel was diagnosed with cancer again, soon after the birth of one of her children. From this experience, she co-founded a charity called Mummy’s Star (2013) in memory of a friend, Mair Wallroth. It is the only charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to women and their families diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or within 12 months of giving birth.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Wellbeing of Women, registered charity no. 239281". Charity Commission for England and Wales.
  2. ↑ "Your Wellbeing". Wellbeing of Women. Retrieved 4 November 2012.
  3. ↑ "Events".
  4. ↑ "Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex becomes Royal Patron".
  5. ↑ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine : The Countess of Wessex discusses taboos around women's health. YouTube .
  6. ↑ "Ambassadors Wellbeing of Women". Wellbeing of Women. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Our achievements". Wellbeing of Women. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  8. ↑ "Vitamins and minerals - B vitamins and folic acid - NHS Choices". Nhs.uk. 2015-02-18. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  9. ↑ "Epidural anaesthesia - NHS Choices". Nhs.uk. 2016-11-24. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "Our history". Wellbeing of Women. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  11. ↑ "100 WHF Late Summer Garden Party" (PDF). 100womeninhedgefunds.org. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  12. 1 2 "Prince William to become Patron of the 2008 Lord Mayor's Appeal". Archived from the original on 2016-03-08.
  13. ↑ "Baby Biobank". Ucl.ac.uk. 2013-11-01. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  14. ↑ "Wellbeing of Women". Pwc.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  15. ↑ "The British Home Store". BHS. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  16. ↑ "The British Home Store". BHS. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  17. ↑ "Events". Wellbeing of Women. 2016-12-05. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  18. ↑ "Events". Wellbeing of Women. 2016-12-05. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  19. ↑ "The Inaugural Annual Sir George Pinker Memorial Address". Wellbeing of Women. Retrieved 4 November 2012.
  20. ↑ "BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 Appeal, Wellbeing of Women".
  21. ↑ "Employers must help staff going through the menopause, says Sophie". The Times. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
  22. ↑ Barbara Claypole, Natasha Adams, Alex Perry, Caroline Nokes, Carolyn Harris + 15 Participants. Menopause Workplace Pledge roundtable event. YouTube (Video). 1:05:41 minutes in.
  23. ↑ "Menopause Workplace Pledge". wellbeingofwomen.org.uk. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  24. ↑ "BBC, Tesco and Royal Mail sign pledge to help female staff during menopause". The Times. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
  25. ↑ "House of Commons to be 'menopause friendly', Speaker Lindsay Hoyle vows". 13 June 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  26. ↑ "Let's #ChatMenopause". letschatmenopause.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  27. ↑ "Penny Lancaster among famous faces fronting menopause awareness campaign". Evening Standard. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
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