RACHEL Joseph has won this year’s prestigious ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’ Award at WCVA’s Welsh Charities Awards.

A passionate advocate for fellow endometriosis patients and disabled and chronically ill women across the country, she has harnessed her lived experience in north Wales to lobby for improved access to women’s healthcare and menstrual wellbeing education across the whole country.

Nominated by Conwy-founded Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) for her impactful and extensive voluntary work, Rachel has radically improved access to women’s health services.

Most notably, she helped co-produce:

  • Patient-led training for all new Endometriosis Clinical Nurse Specialists in Wales, which has led this cohort to go on to win the Welsh Pharmacy Award for Developments in Female Health
  • The Quality Statement of the Women’s Health Wales Coalition, which influenced Welsh Government’s Women’s Health Plan

Dr Sally Rees, Chair of FTWW who nominated Rachel, said: “Rachel goes above and beyond in supporting and representing female patients across Wales – and we’d be lost without her hard work and enthusiasm. She is a powerhouse, and can be called upon for anything.

“She brings fantastic ideas and feedback to the table and we are incredibly lucky to have her.”

Having only one part-time employee at FTWW, the charity has seen a step-change due to Rachel’s committed voluntary work.

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She is a knowledgeable ambassador for the charity, representing it on Welsh Government's Period Dignity Stakeholder Group, its Task & Finish Group for Menstrual Disorders, and UK Government's All-Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis.

On winning the award, Rachel, from Barry, said: “By raising awareness and taking necessary action, we reduce ignorance. In reducing ignorance, the seeds for change are planted.

“As a patient rep myself, I know what it’s like to not feel heard when it comes to my healthcare, and after hearing the countless similar experiences of other endometriosis patients, I decided enough was enough.

“My passion for change led me to leave my job in recruitment to dedicate my time to FTWW and to try and remove some of the barriers that have been so damaging to women living with Endometriosis and other conditions.”

Upon awarding Rachel, whose category was sponsored by Hugh James Solicitors, WCVA Chief Executive Ruth Marks said: “Rachel is the epitome of what is seen as the holy grail of volunteering by charities: those who can do it all, such as strategic advocacy as well as more hands-on work, like fundraising.

“As a young volunteer, she is a positive role model for others of a similar age, and this is vitally important as we rely on this cohort to secure the future of volunteering in Wales.

“In addition to her successful representative and advocacy role, where she is succeeding to reshape healthcare and social policy for women, she also delivers workplace talks, raising awareness about the issues themselves, and participates in online advice and support sessions for other women and girls.

“If you are inspired by Rachel, then do get involved during Welsh Charities Week by volunteering, donating or giving a shout to your favourite charity or voluntary group!”

Organised by WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action) for Welsh Charities Week, the Awards recognise and celebrate the fantastic contribution charities, community groups, not-for-profits and volunteers make to Wales by highlighting and championing the positive difference we can make to each other’s lives.