International Women’s Day 2025

This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting key services across Waltham Forest that support women’s health. 

Through our work to create a healthier and more equal borough, and alongside many partner organisations, we want to support and empower women across our borough to take care of their health and make choices that best suit them. 

Mental health 

Mental health problems affect everyone, but not in equal measure. Women have a greater prevalence of certain mental health problems, such as eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety-related conditions. 

There are a range of mental health support services available to you or your loved ones in Waltham Forest, and you don’t need to go through things alone.  

•  5 Ways to Wellbeing are steps we can all take to boost our personal wellbeing and prevent mental health problems, especially during difficult times.
• Kooth is an online platform that offers support for young people aged 11-19
• ELOP offers a range of specialist support services if you identify as part of LGBTQIA+ community 

Visit our online Wellbeing Directory for a detailed list of additional resources, including support for adults with additional needs, carers and more. 

Sexual health 

Our sexual health and HIV services give advice and practical support around contraception, relationships, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They can also provide STI testing and at-home test kits. 

Long-acting reversible contraceptive 

Contraception is a personal choice. The copper coil, hormone coil and implant are long-lasting, so you don't have to remember to take something every day. They can also be reversed if you change your mind. 

If you’re thinking about switching your contraception, you can find out more about your options on the NHS website and book an appointment for the coil or implant on the All East website. 

Cancer screening

Screening saves lives! Cancer screening is a way of testing people to see if they show any early signs of cancer or changes to their body. If something is detected, this is when treatment has the best chance of working. It's important to make sure that you’re signed up with a GP, as this is usually how you’ll be invited for screening appointments. 

Breast cancer screening 

• All women aged between 50 and 71 who are registered with a GP will be automatically invited for breast cancer screening every 3 years.
• If you're a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary you may be invited automatically, or you may need to talk to your GP surgery or call the local breast screening service to ask for an appointment. Visit OUTpatients for more information. 

Cervical cancer screening 

• Women and anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should be invited for cervical screening at their GP surgery.
• Trans men and non-binary people may not be automatically called for screening if they are not registered as female with their GP. Please check with your GP or visit 56 Dean Street’s ‘No Barriers’ service for more information. 

Menopause

Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier and impacts anyone who has periods. 

Symptoms of menopause can have a big impact on your life, but there are things you can do to help with symptoms or get support. 

Waltham Forest Women’s Network runs a monthly Menopause and Women’s Health Cafe at Lea Bridge Library. This community-led initiative allows you to hear from other local women about what has helped them manage symptoms, hear from experts on women’s issues and connect with others on their menopause journey. More information about perimenopause and menopause is available on the NHS website. 

Join the next Menopause and Women’s Health Cafe: 

• Sunday 30 March
• Lea Bridge Library
• 11am to 1pm

Antenatal support

Our Antenatal guide is packed with information to keep you and your baby healthy, giving them the best start in life. Learn more about: 

• Keeping healthy in pregnancy
• Vaccinations
• Infant feeding
• Safe sleep
• Health Visiting Service
• Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
• Practicing good oral hygiene during pregnancy
• Best Start in Life 

Breastfeeding

Whether a new parent breastfeeds, bottle feeds or uses a mix of the two is a personal choice. If you're a new parent who’d like to know more about the health benefits of breastfeeding, or get more support with feeding your baby, there is support available.  

HENRY Infant Feeding are there to help you feel confident about feeding your baby, especially if you’re breastfeeding. They offer one-to-one support, in-person sessions and an Infant Feeding Helpline. 

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is abuse that is targeted at women or girls because of their gender. It affects women and girls disproportionately, but men can be abused too. 

VAWG must not be seen as a series of incidents or assaults a woman or girl experiences. Rather, it is a pattern of violent or controlling behaviour that seeks to achieve power and control over them. VAWG has a very big impact on the physical safety, health and emotional wellbeing of individuals. It also has impacts on families, children and the community as a whole. 

Across our website, there is more information and support available. In an emergency, always call 999. 

Domestic abuse 

Domestic abuse can include any form of psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse. This also includes forced marriage, honour-based violence or female genital mutilation. 

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. You are not to blame and you are not alone. 

A UN Women UK survey conducted in January 2021 found that 71% of women of all ages said they had experienced sexual harassment in a public space. Would you know what to do if you witnessed someone being harassed while out and about? 
 
It can be difficult to know how to help in the moment, which is why we provide bystander intervention training to give you the resources to know how to safely intervene and help someone who is being targeted. 
 
'Stand By Her', which is specifically about how to support women and girls who are being harassed, will take place on Monday 24 March, 6 to 8.30pm over Zoom.