The objectives of the Early Awareness Project were:

• To promote The Pituitary Foundation as a support group; and
• To counter ignorance of pituitary conditions throughout the UK.

The project ran for 3 years, starting in January 2003, during which the targets were assessed as:

Year 1 aimed to build better links between the Foundation and clinics. Volunteers across the UK and Ireland have 'adopted' their local pituitary clinics and made sure there were posters and leaflets available for newly diagnosed patients. All endocrinologists and specialist endocrine nurses approached during this first awareness year were supportive of our work and keen to pass on our contacts details.

Year 2 of the awareness project, targeted primary care. We aimed to remind GPs about the pituitary conditions they learned of as a student but quite possibly have not come across in the life in practice since as such conditions are rare. On average a GP may treat one pituitary patient during his or her career. We reminded those who have not got current pituitary experience of the type of symptoms and problems patients face. Our hope was that this might lead to the earlier diagnosis of patients who are currently experiencing unexplained health problems.

During this time, we created an info-packed GP FactFile which offers an overview of pitutiary conditions, symptoms, diagnostics and treatments, which was written by leading endocrinologists for GPs. 

Year 3 found us concentrating on creating general awareness of pitutiary conditions.  We started our annual Early Awareness Day (which has been so successful, we have lenghthened it to Pituitary Early Awareness Week, scheduled for the final week of September every year).  We choose a focus but also highlight all things pituitary.  We work nationally while our local volunteers promote awareness regionally.  We also targeted 'consumers' through courageous volunteer patients who told their stories to many magazines and publications.

Thank you to all volunteers and staff who made this such a successful programme.

Our work is not done, if you would like to help raise awareness, please e-mail helpline@pituitary.org.uk .