VSNW joins forces with Answer Cancer to pledge paid leave for workers to attend screening appointments

Concerning new research has found that some people are unable to attend cancer-screening appointments due to working full–time. For example, according to recent information shared by Jo’s Trust, only 1 in 5 full-time workers were able to get a convenient cervical screening appointment last time they tried to book.

To help address this, Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW) have made a commitment to their staff that they can attend cancer screening appointments during work hours, if unable to get an appointment at a different time.

VSNW are also supporting Answer Cancer’s engagement strategy by raising the profile of health and wellbeing in the workplace and empowering their team to look after their health.

The ‘Bee Seen – Get Screened’ campaign encourages raising awareness of the screening programmes available to the public by way of training, staff sessions and much more.

Warren Escadale, Chief Executive of Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW) said:

“We are proud to support the ‘Bee Seen – Get Screened’ campaign. The health and well-being of our staff is very important to us and we will continue to raise awareness of the campaign to help others to recognise the importance of screening programmes”.

Alison Page, Chair of the Answer Cancer Programme said:

“As a programme that is already working to increase cancer screening rates across Greater Manchester, at Answer Cancer we know the importance of removing barriers to taking part in screening. These can include cultural barriers or language issues, but for many it is as simple as being able to take time off work to attend screening.

We are pleased to support the ‘Bee Seen – Get Screened’ initiative for our staff and would encourage all workplaces to join in and help tackle cancer.”

If you would like to find out more about the “Bee Seen – Get Screened” initiative you can email Answer Cancer at info@answercancergm.org.uk.