Fertility Network UK’s fertility support groups
The UK’s #1 Charity providing support for those facing fertility challenges. We, the national charity, offer free advice, support, information and understanding.
We are a nationwide, patient focused charity for anyone:
- Trying to conceive, going through treatment or living without children, and those who’ve had successful treatment.
- Considering their future fertility
- Trying to become parents.
- Successful after fertility issues.
- Facing the challenges of childlessness.
- Interested in our Fertility in the Workplace initiative.
We have local fertility groups, as well as a huge range of free specialist UK-wide groups including LGBTQ+, a Black Womens Group and South Asian Group and now a Muslim Women's Group. We have a presence on both Facebook and Health Unlocked, with online forums for peer-to-peer support. In addition to these community groups, we run quarterly information events for England with Q&A's from guest speakers. We also have both an information line, for people seeking advice on funding and general information, and fertility questions and a support line open Monday to Friday, to lend an ear and provide emotional and practical advice and support.
Research shows there are inequalities in fertility treatment for people from ethnic minority communities. There are additional barriers, poorer experiences and worse outcomes in fertility care and treatment across ethnic groups. As Fertility Network UK’s Ethnic Minorities Community Project Worker, I support a diverse range of people from ethnic minority communities. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is at the heart of my work. I work with grassroots organisations, and professionals across England to achieve effective change, to influence and improve race equality and equity in fertility treatment.
Coping with fertility issues is challenging and getting the right support can make all the difference to your experience. Often people in ethnic minority communities face additional barriers in accessing the variety of different sources of support available to them. Sometimes we may need to turn to people outside our networks when it comes to support regarding fertility issues. Friends and family may want to help but may not always understand how best to do this. Some people may have some family members or friends who are really supportive but sometimes friends or family don’t seem to understand. Many people feel quite isolated and cut off from family and friends when experiencing fertility issues. Fertility Network UK has a variety of free online networks, and forums offering an opportunity to talk to other people going through fertility problems. This kind of peer-to-peer support can be a helpful way to share experiences, and to meet others who are facing similar issues.
Currently, we have two fertility support groups for specific ethnic groups: a Black women’s group and one for people from South Asian communities. Our fertility support groups can provide an informal opportunity to chat and meet others. Plus, professional guest speakers including fertility specialists/experts are regularly invited to meetings.
Most groups meet on a monthly basis for a couple of hours in the evening. We also have a male-only ‘HIM’ fertility group, the secondary infertility group, and the Pregnancy after infertility group. Participants are welcome to join more than one group. Our closed Facebook groups offer a community in which participants can simply listen, share their stories, and offer support to one another. Groups are separate from other social media to maintain privacy. In addition, we run regular webinars with Q&A's from guest speakers which are available to view, later on our YouTube channel, and host yoga and mindfulness sessions. You are not alone!
To find out more email: jenny@fertilitynetworkuk.org – Ethnic Minorities Community Worker - Visit the website: www.fertilitynetworkuk.org