It’s A Smear

Posted 9th June 2026

We all deserve gynaecological care that is trauma informed and culturally sensitive

We believe that everyone – no matter your background or experiences – deserved cervical screening that respects your dignity, your body, and your voice. That is why we have partnered with Nottingham Women’s Centre to deliver the It’s A Smear Campaign.

About the Campaign

The campaign was set up by Nottingham Women’s Centre set up with funding from Rosa ‘Voices from the Frontline Fund’. It aims to bridge the gap between how healthcare professionals deliver cervical screening and the real needs of women* who may or may not feel able to access screening.

Research indicates that some groups of women are less likely to attend routine cervical cancer screening. These include women at younger or older ages, people from some minoritised ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ and people living in deprived areas. At Notts SVSS we know that experience of sexual violence can be a huge additional barrier to gynaecological healthcare.

Cervical screening saves approximately 5,00 lives a year. Uptake for screening is on the decline and Nottingham screening rates are lower than the national average. While self-screening might increase access, barriers for certain groups will still remain. Screening should be available to everyone, in the way that feels most comfortable to them.

How

The campaign will work with Nottingham City Primary Care Networks (PCN) to bridge the gap between what women need and what is currently delivered. Together, we will hold listening sessions with women, including drop-ins at Nottingham Women’s Centre. People can also leave us their thoughts in our survey, even if they haven’t had a smear test. We will use recommendations to work with contacts in the PCN to:

Ensure consistent quality and care: which is culturally sensitive and trauma-informed
Create learning resources: empower women with knowledge and confidence and support they need to access gynaecological appointments with trust and understanding.

Share your experiences in person – tell us what you need.

Members of the Steering Group, Nottingham Women’s Centre staff and/or Notts SVSS staff* will be operating a drop in to listen to you experiences at Nottingham Women’s Centre on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in June from 11am – 2pm.

*Notts SVSS staff will be at the drop-in every Thursday in June.

Complete the survey

Not sure you will be able to speak to us in person? Fill in the survey and share your views that way. You can share as little or as much as you want. Even if your experiences have been good, it will help us know what made it work for you.

TAKE SURVEY