Offering support to those affected by and through endometriosis is a key role of QENDO. It is important that those who take on the support role are properly trained to assist.

What does support training involve?

Training to be a support worker only takes four (4) hours. It is a relaxed, casual affair with emphasis on the experience and developing confidence. Participants will learn basic listening skills, ethics and confidentiality and general information about the support worker process.

The endometriosis support worker training is conducted on an individual basis so you do not have to live in Brisbane. A training booklet is available and we can do the training via telephone and email. Training is free. We currently have endometriosis support workers in Rockhampton, Gold Coast, Melbourne and around Brisbane and are in need of support workers in other areas. We encourage everyone to participate in meetings, social events and fundraisers in order to get to know one another and to debrief. Two of our endometriosis support workers from Brisbane and Melbourne have become firm friends because of their contact with each other.

The endometriosis support roster runs for two weeks at a time. It depends on how many support workers we have at the time as to how often you are on. At this time, we have nine ladies on our roster. You are not alone and will have contact with the Support Worker Coordinator and the endometriosis support worker either side of your roster who you can talk to and debrief with.

Messages can be retrieved from the messagebank from all areas – (07) 3321 4408

Why do we need support training?

It is important that endometriosis support workers are equipped with the skills to effectively assist callers or know how to refer them if needed. Telephone support is a different medium to face-to-face interactions, so special techniques are taught and discussed.

About your support trainer

Elspeth has been a member of QENDO for 19 years. She has done counselling studies and had many roles on the Endometriosis Association’s committee over the past 15 years, including Support Worker Co-ordinator.

Personal notes from those undertaking the support training

“I did the free counselling training with QENDO so that I could find a way to communicate to my family, friends and colleagues about endometriosis. I found that people often tuned out or shut down when I spoke about endometriosis. I wanted to learn how to talk about it so that people around me would listen and also allow me to help them if they were having the same experiences.”

“Through the course, I developed techniques for listening and, in volunteering as a support worker, I am able to help people who are calling out for support and to share experiences of having endometriosis. I really find that it is much more satisfying to try and support those who want and need it than to sit around feeling sorry for myself or lecture to those who aren’t asking for help!”

“This has lead me to have a greater involvement in the association which is also beneficial, informative, social and enjoyable for me. At the same time, I feel I am making a contribution.”

“It took me a long time to feel that I was ready to become a support worker and finally took the training session. My knowledge of endometriosis was only from my own experiences and from what I had read in books and learned from others. I was a bit nervous at first, but once the session was underway, I was wondering why it had taken me so long to do the course. I realised that you don’t have to be an expert in endometriosis. You learned be a good listener. I learned new skills in how to manage different situations and, most importantly, how to know your limits and seek help if you can’t answer the question asked. I have been a support worker for the past 4 years and have found it a very rewarding experience to be helping others. I feel that I am making a positive difference to the lives of others with endometriosis.”

In this 22nd anniversary year, we wish to acknowledge and thank all those support workers from the past who have undertaken the support worker training and given their time to the Endometriosis Association.

Many women don’t have anywhere else to turn. Become a support worker today and help women suffering endometriosis. To register, please phone the messagebank on (07) 3321 4408 or contact us online