June 2008

Help us create healthier futures for Australian women

Dear friend,

Why we need your help

The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health relies solely on the ongoing generosity of funding bodies, the government, corporate companies, the community and individuals like you to help us create healthier futures for all Australian women.

As women, many of us share similar life experiences, even though each journey is unique. Here at the Foundation, we know the importance of looking after both our physical and our emotional health, and that of our families. We also know the importance of having a reliable source of up to date and credible health information.

In touch with Australian women - did you know that each year:

• There are approximately 2.7 million visits to our websites.

• We distribute over 10,000 health information packs.

• More than 70,000 fact sheets are given out.

• Our national health magazine is read by 80,000 people.

• Thousands of women visit our medical centre.

• We provide specialist women’s health education to thousands of Australian women and health professionals across the country.

• We develop a range of innovative research and education programs designed to help women find practical ways to improve and maintain their health and wellbeing as they age.

A snapshot of our current projects for which we need your help

Taking the latest information to women and their health professionals – we’d like to be able to run more health seminars in cities, regional and remote areas of Australia.

Development of education resources – our education team has plans for a range of innovative and practical health resources for women across Australia.

Diabetes research – studies addressing the emotional issues surrounding diabetes and women at risk of gestational diabetes.

Menopause after breast cancer research project – this research will investigate the emotional issues for women with breast cancer, and their partners, around menopause.

Menopause and midlife health and wellbeing education – we would like to extend our reach to provide more health sessions on midlife and healthy ageing to smaller community groups.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) resources and research – PCOS is a little understood hormonal disorder affecting up to 10 per cent of women. We would like to extend our current research and provide more awareness in the community and resources on this topic.

Endometriosis resources and awareness raising – the Foundation has recently taken over the Endometriosis Victoria website and is looking to build on the resources currently available alongside raising community awareness.

Multicultural women’s health project – while we have a wide range of English health fact sheets, we’d like to be able to increase the fact sheets that we have already translated into a range of community languages.

Community support is vital – become an ambassador

Ask us how you can become a Jean Hailes ambassador. Why not support the Foundation together with your community group or friends?

A number of businesses and groups have generously supported us in this way. It’s easy to hold a golf day, bridge, bowls or tennis function, fashion parade, luncheon or bingo night to raise funds to support vital women’s health research, education and clinical care.

Every dollar counts

Our work is only possible through the regular support of grants and donations. Every dollar received makes a difference.

Here are four easy ways for you to donate:

We thank you for your support

Please call me if you would like to become a Jean Hailes ambassador or if you’d like to run a fundraising event on our behalf – I’d love to hear from you.

Janet Michelmore

Call tollfree 1800 151 441

Our health is something that we should never take for granted

All donations over $2 are tax deductible