Healthwatch South Tees Podcast: Behind the Cervical Screening Support Cards

Find out about a new Cervical Screening Support Card and how they came to life

This survivor-led project was driven by Kerri Brems, Counsellor and Participation/Training Co-Ordinator for Arch, alongside steering group members from Public Health, the ICB, Healthwatch Middlesbrough and community organisations.

The development of the resource was in response to feedback from individuals with lived experience of sexual violence, who highlighted the challenges of attending some health appointments, particularly cervical screening. These experiences revealed a need for more consistent, trauma-informed approaches within healthcare settings.

The resource is intended for survivors of sexual violence who may find standard screening processes difficult or inaccessible, especially if they have not previously disclosed their experiences. It’s aim is to explore and develop alternative pathways that reduce the need for personal disclosure while still ensuring that care is supportive, respectful, and trauma-informed as standard.