A NEW support group for women with endometriosis has been set up in Basingstoke.

The group will meet once a month at the Ark Conference Centre, in the grounds of Basingstoke hospital.

Endometriosis is an incurable condition resulting from the appearance of endometrial tissue outside the womb and causing pelvic pain, especially associated with menstruation. Emily Brown and Franki Napolitano will run the group on behalf of charity Endometriosis UK.

Franki, 25, said: “When I was diagnosed, I knew nothing of the condition or where to go for help. My diagnosis of endometriosis came when I was 22, after more than 10 years of having symptoms and suffering. When I was told I would need a fifth operation in less than three years, I decided that more awareness needed to be raised about this condition, how to manage it and how else it can be treated – the more awareness raised, the closer we get to finding answers and making people aware there is more to this condition than meets the eye.

“I’m hoping that through the support network Emily and I have created, we can help lots of lovely ladies on their journey, from initial symptoms through to long term management.”

Emily, 31, was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2014, and said: “I didn’t really know much about the illness when I received the diagnosis and so turned to Facebook to find support from other women. A few of us met up in a bar in January this year and from there the Basingstoke support group was formed. It was great to be able to share experiences with women who truly understood.”

She added: “Taking the first step and finding support is often the hardest, but it’s important that women going through this know they are not alone.”

The support group offers a safe environment for women to share their experiences of endometriosis and find information.

Members have already organised a successful fundraising event, which generated £1,500 for Endometriosis UK, held in March at The Tea Bar.

Emily said: “Whilst the group is somewhere we can discuss our experiences of this awful condition, we want to also have something positive to focus on, and that’s where the fundraising comes in. It gives us a combined goal to help make a difference.”

Franki and Emily also plan to organise various social events for members.

The next meeting will be held on June 22, at 7.30pm, when the topic will be nutrition. Visit endometriosis-uk.org/basingstoke support-group or email endouk basingstoke@gmail.com.