We had a good event  at the Mission in Huddersfield which saw representation from Bowel, AAA, Breast and Prostate Screening Programmes. The event was held to inform those with a learning disability of the screening programmes available and how to get access to these important tests.

Screening lead Kathryn Aldous, said: " It is a fact that a  high number of people with Learning Disabilities are unaware of screening or do not take part due to fear of what the test involves  because not all communication is right for everybody. 

"Nationally there is a drive to ensure that all members of the population who are eligible to take part in a screening programme should have the opportunity to do so."

Screening Programmes in collaboration with LD Support Services have developed different ways of informing about what it is that screening involves.  There is a fear factor if people don’t understand how the tests work and what they actually involve – through putting information in easy to read format and using pictures, video and face to face talking about it through events like the one held at the Mission in Huddersfield, we were able to encourage more take-up and explain what it was all about in a fun and interactive session.

The feedback from the people who attended, their carers, and the organisers of the event (which was also attended by Breast and Prostate Screening) was excellent with everyone saying that they felt better informed and less scared about what the tests involved and would ensure they had appointments booked.