Grapevine’s H (for Health) Team presents an awareness film about cervical screening for people with learning disabilities, made by people with learning disabilities.
Did you know there is still a lower uptake than we would like for regular cervical screenings for people in Coventry and Warwickshire who have a learning disability?
Getting checked is the best way to find out if you are at a higher risk of developing the cervical cell changes that over time could lead to cervical cancer. Cervical cell changes can be treated, helping to prevent this.
The NHS cervical screening programme is for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64.
Many people with learning disabilities don’t fully understand what the screening involves, are afraid it will hurt or that they will feel embarrassed, or simply don’t think it’s for them.
“Cervical screening is a vital way to prevent cancer and save lives, but we know that too many people with a learning disability face unnecessary barriers to accessing it.
“In Coventry and Warwickshire, we are committed to working with partners like Grapevine to make screening more accessible, understandable and supportive for everyone. By tackling myths, improving communication and making reasonable adjustments, we can ensure people with a learning disability are empowered to make informed choices about their health and receive the care they deserve.”
Dr Will Taylor, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board
This short film sets out to dispel some of those myths using the H Team’s tried and tested — and winning — formula of information, honesty and humour.
It includes H Team member Starco’s journey from receiving her invitation through the post to attending her appointment at her local GP practice.
The H Team says: “We created this film together to help raise awareness of the importance of cervical screenings for people with learning disabilities and autism who have a cervix.
“Please watch and share widely so we can help save more lives with a quick check up at the doctors!”
“Please remember to attend your cervical screening. It’s an important step in looking after your health, and your GP practice is here to support you every step of the way.”
Dr Samantha Johnson, GP Clinical Advisor to NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board
The latest LeDeR report (Learning from lives and deaths – people with a learning disability and autistic people), released in 2025, shows people with learning disabilities are dying 19.5 years younger on average than the general population.
People with learning disabilities are almost twice as likely to die from an avoidable cause of death.
Our H Team is a team of people with learning disabilities and autism who, using their lived experience, are fighting against health inequalities and striving to break down barriers in healthcare.
The H Team’s work, supported by Grapevine, is funded by Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board.
“This is an excellent and much-needed resource that really helps to address common worries and misconceptions around cervical screening.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with the H team on this project, and to see information made so clear and accessible. I hope this helps to reduce inequalities and encourages more people to feel informed and supported in attending their screening.”
Hannah King, Community Cancer Engagement Officer, NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board
Please follow this link for an easy read guide to cervical screening by NHS England.
Learn more about how we strengthen people, spark community and shift power here.
Finally, a special thank you to Coventry GP Dr Ayesha Mahmud for supporting the H Team and guest starring in this film.