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deemontague.bsky.social
Dee Montague
@deemontague.bsky.social
310 followers 760 following 74 posts
(She/they) Taught Stephen Hawking the rules of roller derby. Writer. Queer. Disabled and chronically ill. Engagement Coordinator @ftww.bsky.social. Star Wars obsessed. Semi-retired Liverpool fan. Views and brain fog my own. 🏳️‍🌈♿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
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deemontague.bsky.social
Dee Montague @deemontague.bsky.social · Nov 16
👋 I'm Dee (she/her), a writer who is usually too poorly to write. I work 15hrs/week for FTWW. I ❤️ my cats, Star Wars, Animal Crossing, music & food! I'm a semi-retired LFC fan. I'm also queer, disabled, chronically ill & neurospicy, and I live in South Wales. Passionate about equity esp. re health.
Reposted by Dee Montague
ftww.bsky.social
Join us for Managing Uncertainty, a free webinar with Dr Robyn Jackowich. Explore strategies for coping with female health issues and the uncertainty they can bring.

📅 20 Nov, 7pm | Online via Teams

Become a member to access - please answer all joining questions: www.facebook.com/groups/ftww....
Graphic promoting an online webinar titled “Managing Uncertainty.” The text reads: “Dr Robyn Jackowich is a Lecturer in the School of Psychology at Cardiff University, with a background in clinical and health psychology, with a particular focus on menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, and sexual wellbeing.” Event details: “Online via Teams, November 20th, 7pm.” Design elements include green abstract squiggles and the FTWW logo at the bottom, which shows three stylized figures holding hands above green grass roots, next to the bold letters “FTWW.” On the left side is a circular photo of Robyn, a white woman who is wearing a light-colored collared shirt under a beige sweater, with her hair in a ponytail.
November 18, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Reposted by Dee Montague
willhaycardiff.bsky.social
My latest newsletter with all the analysis from a historic Caerphilly byelection

willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/plaid-smas...
Plaid smash Reform to win in Caerphilly
These are the key takeaways from a massive night in Welsh politics
willhaywardwales.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:29 AM
Reposted by Dee Montague
dpac-cymru.bsky.social
Senedd Disability Lobby!

DPAC Cymru will be handing in 30 pages of signatures to tell the Welsh Government that we want an independent PIP review.

Tell your MS to be there with our template letter: bit.ly/senedd-disab...

#DPAC #Wales #WelfareNotWarfare #DisabilityRebellion
This is a graphic advertising a protest. The top half of the image is a picture of the Welsh Government building (the Senedd) with a blue tint, and the bottom half is a ripped paper effect. Text on the top half, in big letters, says: “Protest (Senedd Disability Lobby)”. On the bottom half, text says: “We will be handing in 30 pages of signatures. No disability cuts! Disabled people want to run our own, independent, PIP review.” In bold, it says “We’re asking the Welsh Government to do its part. Tuesday 14th October 2025.” Next to a red map pin, it says: “Cardiff, outside the Senedd, 4pm to 4:15pm”. To the right is the Disabled People Against Cuts Cymru logo, which is a red, pink, blue, green wheel being held by four hands of different skin tones. At the center of the logo is an upside-down black triangle bearing the letters D P A C and the word Cymru.
October 9, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Reposted by Dee Montague
dpac-cymru.bsky.social
Lobi Anabledd Y Senedd!

Byddwn yn cyflwyno 30 tudalen o lofnodion i ddweud bod pobl anabl eisiau cynnal adolygiad PIP annibynnol ein hunain. Rydym yn gofyn i Lywodraeth Cymru wneud ei rhan.

Gwahoddwch eich MS gydag ein llythyr templed: bit.ly/senedd-disability-lobby

#DPAC #WelfareNotWarfare 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
This is a graphic advertising a protest. The top half of the image is a picture of the Welsh Government building (the Senedd) with a blue tint, and the bottom half is a ripped paper effect. The text is in Welsh. Due to technical limitations, mixed-language content cannot properly be provided in Alt text, so we cannot provide a full translation here. To the bottom right is the Disabled People Against Cuts Cymru logo, which is a red, pink, blue, green wheel being held by four hands of different skin tones. At the center of the logo is an upside-down black triangle bearing the letters D P A C and the word Cymru.
October 9, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Reposted by Dee Montague
ftww.bsky.social
Adenomyosis can have a huge impact on pregnancy, yet remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood.

FTWW member Lana shared her story with BBC Wales, and we added our voice to the conversation.

Read the full article here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

#Adenomyosis #WomensHealth #FTWW #BBCWales
Adenomyosis: 'The pain was so agonizing, I walked with a stick'
Lana Boocock said her symptoms were dismissed as irritable bowel syndrome or
www.bbc.co.uk
October 2, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Reposted by Dee Montague
ftww.bsky.social
Has #IUD #PainRelief improved since 2021? FTWW Champion, Lucy, is gathering real-life experiences - if you’ve experienced this, please take the survey & share!
🔗 www.surveymonkey.com/r/HXPJ8DR

Looking for info & support? Check out our website
🔗 ftww.org.uk/health-issue...

#ReproductiveHealth
A green background frames a white notepad-style paper in the center. At the top, there's a photo of a pink IUD next to Scrabble tiles spelling "IUD." Below, bold text asks: "Has IUD pain relief improved since 2021?" with a red button that reads "TAKE THE SURVEY." At the bottom is the FTWW logo. Dried flowers and two sparkles decorate the left side of the image.
September 11, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Reposted by Dee Montague
dpac-cymru.bsky.social
DPAC Cymru is calling for the UK government’s PIP review to be led by disabled people, not politicians.

📣 The UK Government has broken promises - and our trust. It’s time for real accountability.

✍️ Add your name: bit.ly/independent-pip-review
A notice graphic with a red tinted photograph of Stephen Timms as the background. Title text to the left of him reads: "We want an independent PIP review" with emphasis on the independent. A divider then separates the next header text that reads: "Nothing about us, without us!", followed by another divider. Body text then reads: "Please sign and share our open letter!" with an arrow pointing to a link: "bit.ly/independent-pip-review". The DPAC Cymru logo sits at the bottom of the screen.
September 2, 2025 at 2:34 PM
deemontague.bsky.social
If you live with a disabling #MenstrualHealth condition, are you aware of your rights? In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 should have us covered, but it's often poorly understood and implemented (which is why the menstrual leave petition is so important!)

Check out our blog + radio interview 👇
ftww.bsky.social Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 22
🎙️ We spoke to BBC Radio #Wales about why menstrual leave matters for those with #endometriosis & #adenomyosis - and how existing legislation should already support it but often fails. FTWW backs the petition on this and urges MPs to act. Listen + info: ftww.org.uk/2025/08/22/t...

#MenstrualHealth
A woman with red hair sits at a desk, speaking on the phone while looking at a computer monitor. Above her is the FTWW logo showing three figures holding hands over grass roots. Below the desk, a banner reads 'The Menstrual Leave Petition: Our View.' The bottom of the image displays the URL: ftww.org.uk/news. The background features abstract green and orange shapes.
August 23, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Reposted by Dee Montague
ftww.bsky.social
Today is #SevereMEDay, where we remember those we have died from severe ME and to advocate for better understanding, research, and support for those living with this debilitating condition.

Our thoughts are with them, and their loved ones left behind.
Severe ME Awareness Week Remembering those we have lost, and sharing glimmers of hope for the future... Living with Severe ME About 25% of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) patients will be severely disabled. They might be: housebound and bedbound 24/7 Unable to sit up in bed much or at all Unable to tolerate light or sounds, and have to stay in dark rooms with eye masks and ear protection In need of 24 hour care Unable to eat or drink, and need to be tube-fed Louise's story: “I am bedridden in a dark room for weeks on end. It's not something one can easily describe, but I do appreciate when people try to understand. Remember that ME is not tiredness - nothing can portray the complete annihilation of energy we experience and the effect that has on daily life. Last week I was physically struggling to swallow food. Many struggle with basic tasks like brushing teeth. I can't engage in my usual hobbies. But, there is always hope, and simple understanding and accommodations can make all the difference in the world.” Next to the story is a photo of Louise, a white person with shaved hair, smiling gently to the camera. Speaking of hope, Decode ME’s Initial DNA study results have been published. Intial findings show: Your genes contribute to your chances of developing ME/CFS. People with an ME/CFS diagnosis have significant genetic differences in their DNA compared to the general population.
August 8, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Reposted by Dee Montague
abrokenbattery.bsky.social
Channel 4 News – full segment on DecodeME results (9 mins) — the world’s largest genetic study of #MECFS — identifies eight genetic differences. Includes interviews with Prof Chris Ponting, a patient participant, Sonia Chowdhury, and MP Tessa Munt.

youtu.be/c5i_K3QEbCI?...
Channel 4 News DecodeME results
YouTube video by Broken Battery
youtu.be
August 7, 2025 at 3:06 AM
deemontague.bsky.social
Come and work with me!
ftww.bsky.social Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Aug 5
📣 Please spread the word!

Volunteer & Community Coordinator:
🏡 Home-based (Wales)
🕒 Full-time or part-time/job share
💷 £30,000 + £312/year WFH payment
📅 Funded to 31 Mar 2027 (possible extension)

💜 Passionate about community? Apply now! ftww.org.uk/job/voluntee...

#Hiring #WalesJobs #Cymru #Jobs
raphic featuring diverse illustrated women, with the text 'WE ARE HIRING! Volunteer and Community Coordinator' above the FTWW logo and QR code.
August 5, 2025 at 7:35 PM
deemontague.bsky.social
Wrote this blog as part of my day job ❤️
ftww.bsky.social Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Jul 31
💪 #DisabilityPrideMonth isn’t just a celebration, it’s a protest! Like so many of the health issues we campaign on, advocacy is needed all year round.

👉 Read our latest blog to find out how we’re fighting for better health and rights for all: ftww.org.uk/2025/07/29/d...

#WomensHealth #Disability
"A smartphone displays a blog post titled 'Disability Pride & Women's Health' by FTWW. The background features the disability pride flag. To the right of the phone, bold text reads 'Disability Pride Month: Read our blog.' In the bottom right corner is the FTWW logo.
August 3, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Reposted by Dee Montague
ftww.bsky.social
🗣️ Have your say!
#RCGPCymruWales wants to hear from you about your experiences accessing your GP.
💬 Share your views and help shape future services.
👥 You can also express interest in joining the RCGP #Cymru #Wales Patient Forum!

📋 Take the survey here: forms.office.com/e/EdvU50bgkC

#PrimaryCare
RCGP Cymru Wales survey poster with a QR code, healthcare images, and the text 'Have your say!' encouraging feedback on GP access.
August 1, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Reposted by Dee Montague
ftww.bsky.social
We have another opportunity to help shape research on decision making about stopping #HRT, by completing this very short survey:

cardiffunipsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

Please feel free to share with anyone you know who may be interested. Diolch!

#Menopause
A vibrant announcement with a watercolor background invites individuals to share their experiences with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause. It asks if they have stopped, considered stopping, or decided to continue HRT, and encourages participation in shaping healthcare research in Wales. The deadline to respond is August 18th. Logos of Cardiff University and FTWW appear in the bottom left corner, with an illustration of three people on the right.
July 21, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Reposted by Dee Montague
ftww.bsky.social
#WelfareBill Concessions – FTWW Statement - Please Share!

As a member org. of @disabilitywales.bsky.social, FTWW supports their statement. You can find our full statement on our website - as well as a link to a template letter to MPs from @dpac-cymru.bsky.social - here: ftww.org.uk/2025/06/27/w...
A green and white graphic from FTWW featuring a stylized logo of three figures holding a scale over a campfire. The bold text reads "STATEMENT: Welfare Bill Concessions." A black-and-white halftone megaphone with red sound lines is on the left. A large QR code is centered on the right side, and the website "ftww.org.uk" appears at the bottom in a rectangular banner.
June 27, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Reposted by Dee Montague
dpac-cymru.bsky.social
Download your MP's window poster at Bit.Ly/DPAC-Cymru-Window to show solidarity against Labour's disability benefit cuts bill. 📣

Currently, MPs for South Wales have pre-made posters. If you are from another area, blank templates are available.

#WelfareNotWarfare #TakingThePIP
Graphic depicting bold text saying: "Download Your MP's Window Poster!" with "Your MP" written in red. A black arrow points to a QR code leading to: Bit.Ly/DPAC-Cymru-Window Protest Graphic depicting bold text saying: "Defeat The Labour Disability Cuts Bill" with "Labour" written in red. A black line divides the next section. There is then a DPAC Cymru logo to the left, and more bold text saying "Vote No, to show that you care". The word "care" is underlined in red, and the word "no" is written in red. At the bottom there is text saying "Download your window poster at Bit.Ly/DPAC-Cymru-Window".
June 25, 2025 at 5:29 PM
deemontague.bsky.social
How bloody lush is it to hear #AdamAndJoe back on the radio today?! Loving it. I met Adam at Hay Festival last month and he was absolutely wonderful and lovely 🥰❤️
Adam Buxton smiles for a photo at the Hay Festival book signing with Dan and Dee. Dee looks very excited indeed!
June 8, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Reposted by Dee Montague
sionedplaid.bsky.social
I was proud to speak on behalf of Plaid Cymru at the DPAC protest in Cardiff today against the Labour Westminster Government’s appalling welfare cuts.

Absolutely unacceptable that the DWP cancelled the only in-person consultation in Wales on these plans which will push 1000s in Wales into poverty.
Sioned Williams MS holding a sign with protesters at the Disabled People Against the Cuts protest Sioned Williams MS speaking at the Disabled People Against the Cuts protest A sign which reads Taking the PIP! at the Disabled People Against the Cuts protest A protester speaking at the Disabled People Against the Cuts protest
June 3, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Reposted by Dee Montague
dpac-cymru.bsky.social
Diolch yn fawr Caerdydd!

A huge thank you to everyone who turned up today to speak out against the SHAM disability cuts consultation event.

We will not rest until a fair, accessible consultation on the benefit cuts is held in Wales!

#NoVoteWithoutWales #WelfareNotWarfare
June 3, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Reposted by Dee Montague
nation.cymru
Disability campaigners have gathered in Cardiff today after the only in-person consultation in Wales on the UK Government's proposed cuts to disability benefits was cancelled ✍️Emily Price
Outrage as Welsh consultation on cuts to disability benefits is cancelled
Emily Price Disability campaigners have gathered in Cardiff today after the only in-person consultation in Wales on the UK Government’s proposed cuts to disability benefits was cancelled. Labour is un...
wp.me
June 3, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Reposted by Dee Montague
dpac-cymru.bsky.social
BREAKING: The DWP have cancelled their ONLY in person consultation on the disability cuts, in the whole of Wales.

Disabled people are still protesting outside Cardiff Central Station, and we're holding our OWN consultation ✊

Bydd ein lleisiau yn cael eu clywed! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

linktr.ee/swanseaDPAC
A graphic on a red background. At the top in chalk reads "Disabled People Against Cuts". In black and bold, it then says "Important update about the June 3rd Cardiff Consultation Protest". In white it says, "The DWP has cancelled (cancelled in bold) their sham consultation event after unlawful disability discrimination." After a break, the text continues: "Disabled people and carers are still meeting (still meeting in bold) outside the front of Cardiff Central train station." In black and bold, it says "We will (will is underlined) have our voices heard". There is a DPAC logo and some more text that says "Meet outside the front of Cardiff Central station. Assemble at 12 noon. Bring friends and placards. June 3rd 2025. LinkTree SwanseaDPAC. The DPAC logo is a wheel being held by four hands, with a black triangle bearing the letters D P A C. Around it are the words Disabled People Against Cuts. It is in black, on a white background, with a sticky tape effect on the corners of the background. A graphic on a red background. It says in white and large text: "full information available at". It continues in black to say "Link T R dot E E slash Swansea D P A C". It continues in white to say "as a screenreader friendly document". Below is then a graphic showing a screenshot of the document, with a DPAC logo. The logo is a red, pink, blue and green wheel being held by multiple hands of different skin shades. In the center is an upside-down black triangle bearing the letters D P A C. Below the graphic, in bold black text, reads "The DWP is incapable of listening to disabled people." In white, it continues, "So DPAC will hold the consultation ourselves and demand the DWP turn up and listen."
May 31, 2025 at 6:32 PM
deemontague.bsky.social
Thank you so much to These Pages Sing for publishing my short story, Ableist in Aisle 3!

I'm delighted to feature alongside so many brilliant writers!

You can get your print or digital copy here:
thesepagessing.co.uk
The cover of the spring issue of These Pages Sing, featuring an illustration of a daffodil on clifftop with the sea in the background.
May 19, 2025 at 1:05 PM
deemontague.bsky.social
This one is for fellow #pwME (and their carers/families) in #Wales - please do share 💙

#MEAwarenessMonth
ftww.bsky.social Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · May 6
May is #MEAwarenessMonth! We've joined forces with @wamesmecfs.bsky.social for ME Voices Wales.

If you have ME, or are the carer, family member, or friend of someone who is living with ME, we invite you to have your voices heard!

Find out more and book here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/me-voices-...
ME Voices Wales graphic. There is an invitation to two event dates: Tuesday 13 May (11am) and Friday 16 May (6pm)
May 6, 2025 at 3:12 PM
deemontague.bsky.social
Very proud to be part of this wonderful intersectional charity 🥰 I've worked for FTWW for over four years and have never been made to feel uncomfortable for who I am. ✊🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈
ftww.bsky.social Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) @ftww.bsky.social · Apr 25
Our Commitment to Trans, Non-Binary, and Intersex People / Ein Hymrwymiad i Bobl Draws, Anneuaidd, a Rhyngrywiol 🏳️‍🌈
FTWW (Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales) will always be a welcoming and inclusive space for trans, non-binary, and intersex people. Intersectionality is vital in improving health services and removing inequity experienced by marginalised groups. As stated in our Vision, we want to see a Wales where everybody’s right to good health and wellbeing is respected and fulfilled, with everyone able to access the healthcare they need, when they need it, and without barriers. Find out more about FTWW and our work on our website. ftww.org.uk Bydd FTWW (Triniaeth Deg i Fenywod Cymru) bob amser yn ofod croesawgar a chynhwysol i bobl drawsrywiol, anneuaidd a rhyngrywiol. Mae croestoriadedd yn hanfodol i wella gwasanaethau iechyd a chael gwared ar yr annhegwch a brofir gan grwpiau ymylol. Fel y nodwyd yn ein Gweledigaeth, rydym am weld Cymru lle mae hawl pawb i iechyd a llesiant da yn cael ei barchu a’i gyflawni, gyda phawb yn gallu cael mynediad at y gofal iechyd sydd ei angen arnynt, pan fydd ei angen arnynt, a heb rwystrau. Dysgwch fwy am FTWW a'n gwaith ar ein gwefan. ftww.org.uk
April 25, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Reposted by Dee Montague
ftww.bsky.social
#MEVoicesWales is an exciting new project from @wamesmecfs.bsky.social and FTWW to bring people together so we can listen to each other and work out ways we can communicate about things that are important to us.

Find out more: ftww.org.uk/2025/04/14/m...

#PwME #MECFS #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis
Illustration of a virtual meeting on a laptop screen with a diverse group of people around it. Text reads: "ME Voices Wales: Questions, Answers, Sharing, Support." Wames and FTWW Logos are in the corners.
April 15, 2025 at 11:11 AM