‘Check in on your health’ is this year’s message for what is Australia’s biggest week focusing on good health and wellbeing for all women, including LGBTI women and trans and gender diverse people of all ages.

“With COVID-19 placing additional stress on our lives, our health and wellbeing is now more important than ever,” says Brenda Jones, campaign manager, Women’s Health Week.

“At Jean Hailes, we understand that people experience inequities in health outcomes as a result of stigma and discrimination and can face specific challenges to safely getting the healthcare they need,” says Ms Jones.

“Women’s Health Week is a timely reminder to take time out for your health and wellbeing. Whether it’s scheduling a health check, setting aside time to check in on your mental wellbeing, or joining one of the many events happening around the country,” says Ms Jones. “It’s all about taking positive and proactive steps to being healthy in mind and body.”

The National LGBTI Health Alliance is the national peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (LGBTI) and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities.

“The Alliance is really pleased to be part of Women’s Health Week and to be partnering with Jean Hailes. We know that LGBTI women and gender diverse people experience significant health disparities and the week allows for us all to come together to shine a light on these important health issues,” said Nicky Bath, CEO, The National LGBTI Health Alliance.

“We will be using the week to encourage LGBTI women and gender diverse people to ‘check in on your health’.”

Making that appointment for a breast check, cervical screening or general health check can often be sidelined by other priorities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Women’s Health week is an essential reminder to prioritise our health. It is also important that we use the week to talk about our health and about those health issues that are often hidden and experienced in silence.”

Women’s Health Week is run by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, a leader in women’s health for more than 25 years. Appointed by the Australian Government as the national digital gateway for women's health and wellbeing, Jean Hailes combines evidence-based research and clinical experience with practical resources and tools for women and health professionals.

In 2019, more than 112,000 women participated in the week with 2,889 events held across the country from Esperance to the Tiwi Islands, and more than 44,000 people received online health content.

For more information on Jean Hailes or Women’s Health Week please contact Caroline Cottrill on 0438 257 246 or email caroline.cottrill@jeanhailes.org.au.