Scaramanga Marketing becomes an Endometriosis Friendly Employer

Roughly 190 million women suffer with the condition and, according to the NHS, is one of the most painful conditions a person can suffer from.  

We strive to be supportive within our team and if a team member has a passion for making an impact and helping others, we find a way to support this and help them to use their voice.  

What is the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme? 

Endometriosis UK is the leading UK charity championing the rights and needs of the more than 1.5m in the UK with endometriosis, providing support, information and a community for those affected, as well as giving businesses guidance on how to support employees with endometriosis and menstrual health syndromes. 

Endometriosis UK also works to ensure that everyone with endometriosis gets prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support, to end chronic menstrual related pain being brushed off as normal, and to raise awareness of endometriosis with the wider public. 

The Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme is a way for us as a business to confirm our commitment to developing a work environment and culture that enables employees with endometriosis to thrive at work.  

“We’re delighted to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme to ensure we can support those in the workplace with endometriosis, as well as break down taboos about menstrual health. Claire Scaramanga, Managing Director at Scaramanga 

What is endometriosis? 

Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological disease with no cure and can require multiple surgeries.  

It impacts the physical and mental health of 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life.  

Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body, usually within the pelvic cavity. Each month these cells react to the menstrual cycle in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding.  

Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions). Pain can occur regularly not just when a women’s menstrual cycle is due and can impact a woman’s mental health, work life and her relationships with others. 

Symptoms include: 

• Chronic pelvic pain 
• Extremely painful periods (dysmenorrhea) 
• Painful bowel movements 
• Infertility 
• Extreme bloating (“endo belly”) 
• Black outs 
• Burning sensation on organs 
• Painful intercourse 
• Pain when urinating  

Despite being so common, it takes an average of eight years and 10 months to get diagnosed in the UK, for reasons including lack of understanding of the disease. 

Why Scaramanga has joined

Emma, our Social Media Manager, is one of those 1 in 10 women who suffers and has had to fight to be heard and seen. Emma has been appointed our Endometriosis Champion and will offer support to colleagues and receive training. Since joining us she has always been very open about her condition and how it affects her everyday life.  

“Having Scaramanga support me in the workplace means a lot. I have had to leave my previous jobs and have been penalised for having endometriosis. It took me 12 years to get diagnosed and through social media I have helped support other women. Having the opportunity to train with Endometriosis UK means a lot and I look forward to learning more and supporting others around me who may struggle to navigate living with a chronic illness.” 

Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK said: 

“I’m delighted to welcome Scaramanga Marketing to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme. By showing its team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.”