Peterborough drop-in sessions aim to bust myths around cervical screenings
Only about a third of women currently attend their cervical screening appointments
Women in Peterborough are being encouraged to attend free health drop‑in sessions over the next few months, offering advice from local GPs, nurses and organisations.
These events are designed for those who struggle to access healthcare or feel unsure about issues like cervical cancer and screening.
Around a third of women currently attend their cervical screening appointments.
Emma Tiffin from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Integrated Care Board has said the sessions are for those from all backgrounds and ages, and will help answer common worries and make healthcare more accessible outside normal working hours.
“The idea is to really make healthcare more accessible to local people, and particularly for those who struggle to actually access traditional healthcare," she said.
"A lot of people don't appreciate the importance of attending for the screening that's offered and trying to attend near enough on time, and that actually we do try and make it easy, not just in working hours.
"We know that quite often people just don't get round to it; that's the most common reason, (and) having a chance to answer questions where people are worried."
Ms Tiffin said there are some myths around cervical screenings.
"For example, it might be painful, worried about in the case of smears, again, it might affect people's virginity, which is actually not correct," she added.
"I hope people will go back and tell their families and really encourage their families to think about their health, to think about engaging in screening (and) to make sure they are up to date with all their screening.”
Women can attend the drop-ins on these dates:
February 26, 2026 - 4.30-6.30pm, The Fleet, Fleet Way, Peterborough, PE2 8DL.
March 25, 2026 - 5-7pm, Paston Farm, Freston, Paston, Peterborough, PE4 7XB.