Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

'Medical misogyny' driving need for Ipswich's first women's health event

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

As NHS gynaecology waiting lists exceed 763,000 women nationally, two Ipswich women are launching Let's Talk Women's Health to tackle what they describe as "systemic ignorance" in women's healthcare.

Why it matters: The event comes at a critical time when women's health issues are facing significant delays in treatment, with waiting lists now large enough to fill Wembley Stadium eight times over.

The big picture: Let's Talk Women's Health, scheduled for 22 March at The Hold in Ipswich, aims to address what organisers call a "desperate need" to better understand women's health conditions through expert-led talks and workshops.

Organisers Katie and Jen are hosting Let's Talk Women's Health at The Hold near Ipswich Waterfront
Organisers Katie and Jen are hosting Let's Talk Women's Health at The Hold near Ipswich WaterfrontLet's Talk Women's Health

From the organisers: "At Nuffield Health, we hold regular events for clinicians and members of the public, all of which have highlighted the desperate need for a better understanding of women's health concerns," says co-organiser Katie Winearls. "It has become glaringly obvious that, as women, we often have very little understanding of our own bodies until we are already in the depths of a change or health concern."

Her co-organiser Jen Evans, a soft tissue therapist and menopause advisor, shares her own experience: "In my early forties, I had symptoms of what I now know to be perimenopause, which led to the opening of a Pandora's box of women's health conditions that, even as a woman, I didn't know much about. The incredible women around us are managing these conditions day in, day out, without ever talking about it."

What they're saying: "There's a dangerous mix of medical misogyny and deep-seated systemic ignorance at play here, which is prolonging the suffering of millions of women and stopping them from accessing the care they need," says Amy Peckham-Driver, a speaker at the event who spent over a decade seeking an endometriosis diagnosis.

Dr Julie Kite, a menopause specialist at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, acknowledges the NHS faces "competing priorities" during "very challenging times" and says that more work is needed to make women's healthcare "accessible to all."

The details: The festival-style event will cover more than ten different women's health topics, including:

  • Menopause

  • Breast and skin cancer

  • Endometriosis

  • Fertility and reproductive health

  • Mental wellbeing

  • Cervical screening

The organisers emphasise the event is open to people of all genders and backgrounds, not just those who identify as female.

Between the lines: The not-for-profit initiative has gained support from local businesses and healthcare providers, including Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, Ascender Creative, and key sponsors MSC and Active Suffolk’s ‘This Girl Can’ project.

Bottom line: While the NHS continues to face unprecedented pressures, this grassroots initiative aims to fill a crucial gap in women's healthcare education and support in Suffolk. Tickets are limited, so grab them while you can at https://LTWH.eventbrite.com.

Let's Talk Women's Health

A day of interactive workshops, expert-led seminars and empowering discussions about all things women's health.

  • Health & Wellness
  • 22 March
  • 09:00-17:00
Let's Talk Women's Health event in Ipswich
Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Double victory for St Joseph's as young debaters shine

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

St Joseph's College students demonstrated exceptional public speaking prowess, claiming victory in both intermediate and senior categories at a prestigious local debate competition.

Why it matters: The double win at the Ipswich East Rotary Club 'Youth Speaks' competition secures both teams places in the Norwich debating chamber finals next month, showcasing local talent on a regional stage.

The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant
The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevantSt Joseph's College

The details:

  • The college hosted the competition on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

  • The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society.

  • The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant.

What they're saying: "Working with these students and developing their oracy and public speaking skills through debating is such a joy!" said Dr Briege Rice, Stretch and Challenge Coordinator and History and Politics teacher at St Joseph's College.

"These skills are vital in every field, fostering confidence, clear communication and critical thinking. The standard of debating was very high, and we are very proud of this extraordinary achievement of our students," she added.

The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society
The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human societySt Joseph's College

The bottom line: The competition, supported by the Rotary Club, continues to foster key communication skills amongst young people through its Youth Speaks initiative, with St Joseph's teams now preparing to showcase their talents in February's finals.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article