Support for those experiencing difficulties in conceiving from Black and Minority Ethnic communities
We know that many people find it hard to share their fertility problems with friends and family; all too often infertility is not understood and recognised as an illness and for those from different religious and ethnic backgrounds there can be specific challenges and problems when dealing with their difficulties in conceiving.
In 2011, Infertility Network UK was awarded a grant by the Department of Health to improve infertility support services through the recruitment and training of volunteers; this has been successful but in order to provide support for those facing these specific religious and cultural challenges as well as for all those affected by difficulties in conceiving we need more volunteers from black and minority ethnic communities. We want to let those people know that there is support available, on line or at the end of the telephone, from people who understand.
It may be that you yourself are able to help or that you are seeing those undergoing fertility treatments or are in contact with people who you think may be interested in helping others within their communities. From running or assisting with a support group to talking to people on the phone or dropping off our leaflets at community centres, there are a wide variety of ways people can help. Volunteering can involve as much or as little time and effort as an individual has to give, and we would welcome any support that people are able to offer.
As many of you will know, Infertility Network UK (I N UK) is the national charity set up to provide information, advice and support to anyone who finds they have a fertility problem. The information and advice we provide covers the whole infertility journey, from the moment someone first discovers they have a problem to the eventual outcome. For those who have a successful outcome through treatment or alternative parenting options such as adoption we provide support through our ACeBabes network and for those who are sadly unsuccessful and are involuntarily childless through our More to Life network.
For more information on the services which we can offer and volunteering opportunities please visit our website at www.infertilitynetworkuk.com , email us at admin@infertilitynetworkuk.com or call 0800 008 7464. And if you can help us reach BME communities that would be really helpful too.
Many Thanks
Clare Lewis-Jones MBE
Consultant to Infertility Network UK (I N UK), More To Life (MTL) and ACeBabes
Mobile: 07980 822663