A new support group has been set up for women with health problems, including polycystic ovarian syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and endometriosis – or those who have been “medically gaslit”.

Women’s fitness and wellbeing hub Eve Studios will host the sessions at its space in the Royal Square.

Attendees will be invited to share their experiences of women’s health issues and discuss any difficulties faced in navigating the health system.

Dr Jessica Langtree-Marsh from Jersey’s Women’s Health Hub will be in attendance to give advice on symptoms of specific diseases and signpost the best routes for diagnosis and treatment.

Eve Studios director Trudi Roscouet said: “The biggest issue with women is that they don’t feel like they’re being listened to. They don’t feel supported – whether that’s by their partner, whether it’s by their doctor, whether it’s by their employers, or even their friends.

“The rationale is to bring women together – maybe they haven’t been diagnosed or maybe they just don’t know where else to turn or who else to go to.

“Like anything in life, women [seek] comfort and support and talk, which is what the Eve Studios community is completely about.”

It comes after plans for a stand-alone women’s health strategy in Jersey were scrapped due to funding concerns and “limited staff resources”.

However, an amendment to the Government Budget by the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel means that the Health Minister has to publish a women’s health strategy by the end of this year.

Women are invited to attend the sessions at Eve Studios if they have conditions such as:

  • Endometriosis
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • Premature ovarian insufficiency
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
  • Gynaecological cancers
  • Or experiences of being “medically gaslit”.

“If you feel like something is not right, come along,” explained Trudi.

She hopes that, during the sessions, “people will break the barriers” and “break the taboo” around women’s health conditions.

Tickets are available for £5 per session and can be purchased in-person from Eve Studios in the Royal Square or by downloading the Eve Studios app.

The first evening will be held in February with plans to continue them every quarter.