Holy Vulva!
Joy sitting cross-legged on a wooden deck at sunset, smiling, with the sea behind her

Double Act Productions for Channel 4

About us

Meet the founder.

I'm Joy. Vaginismus Advocate, Event Coordinator, Virgin Island Series 2 Contributor, and the person who sends the welcome emails.

My story

It started on an island.

I was a contributor on series 2 of Channel 4's Virgin Island. Going on television to talk about vaginismus was not a small decision. But after the show aired, hundreds of women messaged me to say the same thing: me too. Some had never said the word out loud before.

I recognised every one of those messages. I waited eight months for my first NHS pelvic floor physio appointment, and many face even longer waitlists. Outside of those appointments, I didn't know even one person who also had vaginismus. What I truly craved was much harder to find...

Real community and connection

Having a space where people genuinely understand what you're experiencing can make such a difference. For me, that space was Channel 4's Virgin Island, and now I want to bring the fruits of that incredible retreat to you too!

Whether you're just starting your journey, currently having treatment, or have been living with vaginismus for years, you will be warmly welcomed.

Take care,
Joy 💜

As seen

  • Channel 4
  • ITV This Morning
  • Daily Mail
  • Cosmopolitan
Six Virgin Island contributors in matching blue fleeces, arms around each other under the trees
On Virgin Island. Double Act Productions for Channel 4
Joy on the ITV This Morning sofa with the presenters, the Thames behind them
On the ITV This Morning sofa
How we run things

Our guiding principles

  1. Holy Vulva! Our Guiding Principles

    (Based on current NHS guidelines for peer support)

  2. The primary purpose of this group is to support vulva-owners who identify with having Vaginismus.

    Acting as a safe space for its members to be authentic and share their experiences.

  3. The group is committed to ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of those involved,

    with particular consideration for the sensitive nature of the subject area. People will be encouraged to participate as much or as little as they feel comfortable to; with options such as having their camera/microphone on or off during sessions, and using a pseudonym if preferred over their given name.

  4. The group's content, activities and core values will be produced with consideration to the members' varied perspectives and lived experiences.

    The different values, needs and feelings of others in the group will be recognised and reasonably accommodated, including through co-creation efforts whenever possible. The group aims to provide regular opportunities for feedback to understand and respond to the evolving needs and goals of those accessing support.

  5. The group endeavours to prioritise accessibility and inclusivity,

    welcoming and enabling people from a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds to fully participate; regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation and other protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

  6. The group is not a substitute for professional help and/or medical treatment.

    The group seeks to support its members in using their strengths and skills, finding solutions, managing challenges, and meeting their personal goals in community with one another. People are encouraged to access clinical advice and support when they have an unmet medical need.

Expert sessions

Guests who have joined us

Every month an expert joins for a talk and Q&A. These are some of the people who have given their time so far.

  • Portrait of Dr Janelle

    Dr Janelle

    Pelvic Floor Therapist aka The 'Vagina Rehab Doctor'

  • Portrait of Celeste Hirschman & Dr Danielle Harel

    Celeste Hirschman & Dr Danielle Harel

    Co-founders of the Somatica Institute, as seen on Virgin Island

  • Portrait of Ilil Lunkry

    Ilil Lunkry

    Sexological Bodyworker, Virgin Island

Ready when you are.

Pay what you can, from £8 a month.

Join the community