The John Aubrey Group met on Zoom for a talk with a difference this week: Helen Baker from Bradford-on-Avon who spoke about her #WeAreAllSmearReady craftivism campaign. Helen was galvanised into action a couple of years ago following the death of a close friend from cervical cancer; falling smear take-up rates (especially amongst the youngest age group eligible for a smear test); and the realisation that the first information many receive is a text-heavy daunting leaflet sent with the test invitation.
Helen's background in marketing and design helped her to produce some simple infographics with the key points needed to raise awareness and then she found craftivism, a gentle way of finding a protest voice, which can still hit home hard with its messages. You may remember Helen from BBC4's recent programme on the subject where she and Jenny Eclair made some of Helen's signature craftivist underwear to distribute around her home town. Her catchy hashtag has really caught on and she is currently involved in working with other countries and languages alongside Jo's Trust to spread awareness even further.
It was a fitting talk in the light of the WI's 5 Minutes that Matter campaign which aims to increase smear test take-up rates.
You can read more about Helen and her campaign here, which is a good summary of her talk as given on the night. She also has a resources page, should you wish to join her campaign and make your own pair of tiny underwear!
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