It’s Endometriosis Action Month.

One in 10 women in Wales has it. We’re playing a part in raising awareness and keeping the conversation going on Joining The Dots.

Julie spoke to Hospital Radio Glamorgan’s own Carlene and her husband, Stuart, about what it’s like living with the condition and loving someone with it.

This is a conversation about the challenges, the disruption and often the isolation caused by a condition that has no cure and is often misunderstood.

The Welsh Government launched its first Women’s Health Plan for Wales in 2024. It sets out its 10-year vision to improve healthcare services for women in Wales.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has information pages covering endometriosis on its website, including contact details for the dedicated nurse supporting those with the condition.

Endometriosis Cymru and The Endometriosis Foundation have resources and personal stories on their websites which may help those wanting to find out more about the condition.

As we launch on DAB across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan

Community and charity, two words we'll feature a lot on this show and our second programme is no exception. Community is the theme of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and the charity BEAT Eating Disorders has a powerful message for the 1.25 million people in the UK living with an eating disorder, and millions more who support them - because they feel the impact too. Eating disorders can be deeply isolating, but connecting with others who understand, or who share your interests and values, can be life-changing. And it doesn’t matter whether your community is one person or many, even a single meaningful connection can bring hope, strength, and the reminder that #YouAreNotAlone

Disagreements. We all have them, and we can't always solve them alone. We hear from Lynne Hughes-Williams, service development manager for Mediation in Wales, a charity which offers mediation and conflict resolution services to help people reach solutions safely, reliably and confidentially. They provide trained third-party mediators to get people talking again.

Charity shops are suffering from an increase in online selling as young people especially, sell rather than donate. Cardiff's Salvation Army donation centre manager Dean Harvey is encouraging youngsters to adopt the 'thrifting is cool' mantra and to donate their unwanted items.

And Repair Cafe Wales is asking people to take part in 'fix it February' as it encourages us all to support the pop up events held on regular dates throughout Wales, where the local community can get their broken household items repaired for free by volunteers. It’s a social way to combat the general frustration with wasted materials, resources and a loss of skills.

In the first episode of our brand new show, Julie Kissick introduces you to the programme that joins the dots!

Bliss for babies born premature or sick. Bliss’ vision is that every baby born premature or sick in the UK has the best chance of survival and quality of life and that their parents are supported to play an active role in their decision-making and care.

The charity is currently asking parents and carers to complete a questionnaire which focuses on their experiences of neonatal units in Wales. If you would like to contribute, the English language version is HERE and the Welsh language version is HERE.

Helpu The Mental Health Hub for Men in Wales. Their philosophy is built around the idea that connection is protection and their aim is to create a one-stop space for men who want a comprehensive platform to support their mental well-being. They offer valuable resources, support and a chance to share stories by linking up with a range of groups and organisations, including Andy's Man Club and Men's Sheds.

Mediation in Wales offers conflict resolution services to help people reach solutions safely, reliably and confidentially. They provide trained third party mediators to facilitate the parties involved to negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement.

Volunteer opportunity: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about arts and crafts and would like to support patients staying at the University Hospital of Wales, Llandough Hospital, and Barry Hospital.

As an Arts & Crafts Volunteer, you will help enhance patients’ wellbeing by offering creative activities such as painting, needlework, colouring, origami, card making or any other craft you enjoy and wish to share. Volunteers need to be adults who are available for a minimum of two hours per week (Monday-Friday) and commit to at least 6 months of volunteering. The focus isn’t on creating a perfect finished piece — it’s about engagement, social interaction, creativity, and giving patients the chance to choose what they want to make and how they want to make it. These sessions are not art classes or therapy sessions, but relaxed opportunities for patients to express themselves and enjoy meaningful activity. Please note: this role does not involve art therapy or counselling.

In this episode we hear from Charlotte Lynch, Senior Research Strategy Manager - Pancreatic Cancer UK

Audio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)

In this episode we hear from Seren Evans, Head of Mass Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK

Audio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)

In this episode, we hear from Dr Mark Powell, Research Manager from 'Against Breast Cancer'

Audio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)

In this episode we hear from Andy Glyde, Strategy & Insight Lead at Bowel Cancer UK

Audio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)

In this episode, we hear from Gillian Al-Kadhimi, a Nurse from the British Liver Trust.

Audio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)

On this edition we hear from Dr Sinan Eccles, Respiratory Consultant at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital who also has connections with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

Audio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)