This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week, and people are being urged to get booked in for their routine smear tests.
Cervical screening is a way to detect any abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, and is used to prevent cancer of the cervix.
But while the test itself takes only minutes, it’s believed that one in four people don’t attend their appointments.
According to research by charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, there are a number of barriers that prevent people following through with appointments.
These include embarrassment, convenience, fear of results, and pain, among others.
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Anyone with a cervix – this includes women, trans men and people assigned female at birth – should receive regular testing between the ages of 25 and 64.
Tests normally take place every three-to-five years and you should receive a reminder letter.
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Macmillian, a cancer support charity, has answered some common questions that crop up around the subject of cervical screening.
They stress that a smear test shouldn’t hurt, but can be uncomfortable – you should always tell your GP or nurse if you have any concerns.
Macmillan also says that it can help to wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can remove easily (though you only need to remove items on your lower half).
You can see their full guidance around cervical screening and smear tests here.
Jo’s Trust will also be posting daily blogs and tips to answer questions and raise awareness for cervical screening.
That includes pain, work commitments, trauma, disabilities, and what actually happens next.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Daisy Jackson -
20th June 2022 
