Dorset is to host its first Women’s Health Symposium with guest appearances from Scottish comediennes Janey Godley and Helen Lederer.

The women, two of the best-known faces in the field of comedy, writing and acting will be at the Lighthouse Poole on Thursday March 9.

Helen has long had a keen interest in promoting and supporting women in the health arena.

She will be launching the day’s event asking, quite simply: “Why do we need to talk about women’s health?”

As Patron of the charity, GO Girls, Helen said, “I am honoured to help launch this women’s health event.

“So many people doing important work – the day should be full of interest, discussion and reflection.”

Marianne Storey, pictured left, Chair of Women’s Action Network Dorset, said: “With the publication of the Women’s Health Strategy last year, there has never been a more pertinent time to hear women’s voices, or to share and learn about where Dorset is at in supporting women with their health.”

The strategy sets out a ten year plan to improve health outcomes for women, looking specifically at how women’s voices are heard.

Hilary Maxwell, pictured right, Chair of GO Girls, said “For far too long, women’s voices in healthcare have been marginalised – locked away and often stifled.

“Dorset is a county of wide diversity, particularly in terms of geographical location and wealth.

“All these factors impact hugely on health.

“Ovarian cancer outcomes, themselves, are some of the poorest in this region.”

The symposium will follow a life course approach – from menstruation to menopause.

Sharon McCartney, Go Girls’ Trustee, said: “It will give women of all ages a chance to hear about many aspects of health.

“There’s something for everyone.”

Janey Godley, pictured left, has been undergoing her own treatment for ovarian cancer and knows first-hand the importance of speaking up about women’s health.

She said: “Ovarian cancer has been a rollercoaster of emotions.

“I’m more determined than ever to live life to the full and to stick two fingers up to the stigma of cancer and everything that goes with it.

“It’s more important than ever that events like this give people the chance to learn about things like women’s cancers, and other women’s health conditions, so that they know what to look for and to get treatment as soon as they possibly can.

“I’m delighted to be sharing my story at this event in the middle of my ‘I’m Not Dead Yet’ tour.

“We need to talk about this kind of stuff.

“Cancer can ‘jog on’ as far as I’m concerned.”

Daniel Webster, pictured right, Medical Director for the Women’s Health Specialty Care Group at University Hospitals Dorset and consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, said: “I am really looking forward to this symposium.

“It will be a wonderful opportunity to talk to and educate others about – something I am hugely passionate about – improving women’s’ healthcare.”

Marianne said: “We are hoping local business will look to support and sponsor the event to show their commitment to women’s health in the workplace.”

The all-day event is being held at the Lighthouse, Poole.

• Tickets can be booked here.