Older women urgently needed to help health research An important research project to improve health information for older women is calling for more women to come forward to talk about their experiences.  The project aims to create accessible health information about what is both a common and often distressing gynaecological condition - genital prolapse - and is relying on women coming forward in a confidential environment to talk about the type of information they would like to have about this still "taboo" condition thought to affect at least 1 in every 5 women aged over 60. But time is running out and the project, which is organised by the charity Women's Health, urgently needs more women to help.  'We have organised a series of group meetings for November and December ', explains project researcher Helen Carter, 'where we hope women will come and simply tell us their opinions about the type of information they found helpful and look at some example of existing materials so that we can find out first hand what works and what doesn't.'  Each meeting will last about 3 hours and expenses will be met.  Everyone who takes part will receive a summary of the final report and will have made an important contribution to improving women's health.' If you are a woman over 60 and have experienced prolapse within the last 5-10 years, your views can help improve information and services other women.  You can find out more about the project - including how to take part - by contacting Helen on 01227 280026 or by writing to her at PO Box 183, Whitstable, CT5 4WL. The project is organised by Women's Health, a national charity providing independent health information.  It builds on previous research by Women's Health that found that Prolapse is estimated to cause symptoms in as many as 20% of postmenopausal women Little patient health information is available about prolapse and the treatment options; none is written specifically with the needs of older women in mind It is planned to run groups in: Bristol - 22nd November London - 29th November Macclesfield - 2nd December Manchester - 2nd December Tunbridge Wells - 26th November Expenses will be met and help such as sign language, interpreters or escorts will be available. Two experienced professionals, Helen Carter and Dr Val Morton, will lead the focus groups.  Helen is an independent consultant who has run two health related charities.  Val is a GP with an interest in gynaecology. The outcomes from the groups and from the earlier research will be used to produce health information specifically for older women and a more detailed report aimed at strengthening the knowledge base of key practitioners. This project is supported by The PPP Foundation. Return to Press Releases and Notices Notice of Meeting Return to Home Page