To help raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening (smear tests), Frome Medical Practice is joining forces with the We Are All Smear Ready campaign this June.

Founded by Helen Baker, the campaign aims to be accessible, supportive and informative and addresses two of the main barriers cited by women aged 25-29 for not attending their cervical screening appointments, embarrassment and body image. 

Tanya Anderson, the Lifestyle Care Coordinator at Frome Medical Practice said. "The age group that tends to skip their cervical screening appointments are 25-29 year olds, with one in three women this age not taking up their invitation nationally. The We Are All Smear Ready campaign takes a supportive approach to encouraging women to attend their appointments and we hope that by raising awareness locally we can help women overcome any embarrassment they might be feeling."

"Cervical screening is a form of cancer prevention. It helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus called high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme, which we deliver at the practice, is estimated to save 5,000 lives per year so we are really keen to get as many women along for their screening appointments as possible."

The We Are All Smear Ready campaign encourages people to make a mini pair of pants to post on social media or elsewhere in public - a simple, easy and effective way to help raise awareness. The aim is to use whatever materials you have to hand, so there's a strong emphasis on sustainability and not buying anything new. The idea is then to attach a campaign label to the pants, which explains the importance of the NHS screening programme and leaves space for the maker to add their own personal message.

The practice is getting involved in the campaign early, with staff already making their pants and sharing information about the campaign with friends and family. The aim is to get as many mini pairs of pants made and placed around Frome as possible in the lead up to and during Cervical Screening Awareness week, which takes place from 19th - 23rd June. 

Tanya and Helen will also be hosting drop in craft events in various venues in Frome during Cervical Screening Awareness week. Helen said, "Our aim is to meet as many women as we can during the week, and to facilitate and encourage lots of healthy and much needed conversations about cervical screening, why it matters and the support available if you need it. And, of course, you'll get chance to get creative at the same time. But if you can't make an event you can access template patterns and see a gallery of ideas for your pants on our website - we'd love you to get involved."

Dates of the local craft events will be shared on Frome Medical Practice social media and website very soon. If you make a pair of pants the practice is encouraging you to share your photos on social media, using the hashtag #weareallsmearready and tagging @frome.medical.practice (on Instagram) so they can be shared further and more awareness raised. 

For more information and advice about cervical screening please visit the Jo's Trust website. 

If you are due or overdue your cervical screen (smear test) the practice is also encouraging to make your appointment. You can do this via the NHS App or by calling the practice on 01373 301301 (ideally after 2pm when phone lines are generally less busy.)