Pennine GP Alliance has been working collaboratively with local partners to improve breast screening uptake in Calderdale, recognising that fear, misinformation and unanswered questions can be significant barriers to attendance.
Through ongoing work, we identified widespread anxiety about breast screening, alongside misunderstandings about eligibility, the screening process and what happens during an appointment. To address this, we organised a Breast Screening Open Day together, offering women the opportunity to visit a breast screening mobile unit in a relaxed, non-clinical setting.
The Open Day allowed attendees to tour the unit, view the X-ray equipment, ask questions and discuss concerns with an all-female team made up of both clinical and non-clinical professionals. Conversations focused on breast screening, breast awareness and self-examination, with any unanswered questions followed up at the earliest opportunity.
The event was carefully planned for a weekend, when the mobile unit was not in clinical use. The unit’s location at a busy supermarket site was perfect for maximising accessibility and footfall. Local GP practices, mosques and community partners supported promotion, alongside targeted social media communications. Staff at the host supermarket also helped to raise awareness on the day.
The overarching aim was to break down fear and information poverty, empower women to be breast aware, and encourage attendance at screening appointments.
Who was involved:
- Pennine GP Alliance
- Pennine Breast Screening Service
- Calderdale Cancer Aware
- Asda Halifax
When and Where
- 17 January 2026
- Breast Screening Mobile Unit, Asda Halifax, Thrum Hall Lane, Halifax
All attendees were offered guided tours of the unit and one-to-one or small group conversations. Asda staff actively supported promotion and signposting throughout the day.
Impact
- 35 women attended, aged between 26 and 79
- Most attendees found out about the event through social media
Signposting outcomes:
- 10 women were signposted to GP/Primary Care due to symptomatic concerns
- 9 women were signposted to the Pennine Breast Screening Service regarding appointments
- 1 complex family history query could not be answered on the day; this was researched the following week and information was fed back to the individual
Key themes from conversations included:
- Advice and information about screening programmes (age, eligibility, and options beyond the routine screening age)
- Practical information about what to expect on the day of a screening appointment
- Breast awareness, including self-checking guidance and signposting to trusted online resources
Outcomes and wider impact:
- Appropriate and timely signposting for assessment and support
- Increased confidence and empowerment among attendees to ask questions and follow up concerns
- Two women, due to receive their first screening invitation shortly, committed to attend
- One of these women also pledged to book her cervical screening, following an extended period of non-attendance
- Positive peer-to-peer conversations created a safe, supportive environment for shared experiences
Learning
The Open Day highlighted opportunities to strengthen future engagement:
- Improved advertising to reach a wider range of communities
- Greater visibility on the day, including a staffed stand inside the supermarket
- Clear identification of staff through consistent uniforms
- Exploration of drop-in screening sessions as a potential future model
We plan to hold a further open day on Saturday 21st March 2026.