Glastonbury Health Centre has launched a new initiative encouraging local residents to share their personal experiences with cervical screening as part of a wider effort to improve uptake and prevent cervical cancer.

The campaign, titled "Preventative Power: Your Story Could Save a Life", invites individuals registered with Glastonbury Health Centre to share their thoughts, challenges, and positive experiences with cervical screening.

The health centre has been awarded funding from the local screening team with the aim of improving the uptake of cervical screening. Their project aims to encourage women and people with a cervix who have never had cervical screening, to come and have this important check.

As part of this, the health centre is encouraging the sharing of both positive and negative experiences of cervical screening so that participants can help shape more accessible services, break down stigma, and inspire others who may feel uncertain about attending their screening.

"We know that real stories have the power to reach people in ways statistics can't," said Hannah Newton, lead practice nurse.

"Hearing from peers can make all the difference in someone deciding to book their appointment. We know that attending cervical screening can be challenging for lots of different reasons. Our patients may not know that there are lots of adjustments that can be made to support someone attending an appointment; you can request a longer appointment, you can bring a trusted friend or family member with you, or you can come and have a chat to the nursing team in person to learn more about the procedure, with no obligation to have the test on that appointment".

The project is part of Glastonbury Health Centre's ongoing commitment to preventative healthcare and community involvement. Submissions can be shared anonymously or openly, with all experiences valued equally.

How to Get Involved

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Residents can share their stories by visiting the health centre's website, emailing the team directly, or connecting via social media.