Breast Screening Awareness – NHS London Breast Screening

NHS London Breast Screening provides vital breast screening services across London, working to ensure these services are accessible to all communities, including those with learning disabilities.

The brief

NHS London Breast Screening commissioned a co-produced film to explain the assessment clinic process and further testing procedures for people with learning disabilities. The film needed to specifically address what happens when mammogram results require additional investigation, with information presented in an accessible and reassuring way.

The process

Our approach centred on authentic co-production with the learning disability community. We began with comprehensive planning meetings with the NHS team to establish a framework for inclusive content creation.

Two focus groups were conducted with women with learning difficulties who had lived experience of breast screening. These sessions were crucial in understanding their experiences and gathering insights about what information was most important and how it should be presented. Working closely with Naomi, a woman with lived experience, we developed the film's content and tone. Her involvement, supported by her care team, ensured the film remained genuine and relevant to its intended audience. The co-production process meant that Naomi's voice and perspective shaped every aspect of the film's development.

For the more technical aspects of explaining biopsies, we created an animated sequence. The storyboard for this was developed collaboratively with NHS team members and support staff to ensure medical accuracy while maintaining accessibility. The final edit included easy-read text throughout, making the content as accessible as possible for the target audience.

The Results

The film is now being actively used by the trust as a valuable resource, sent directly to women with learning disabilities who are called for breast screening assessments. This targeted approach helps prepare patients for their appointments and reduces anxiety around the screening process.