NHS Lothian’s Public Health & Health Policy Directorate is offering new funding for third sector and community organisations. Grants of up to £2,000 are available for projects that raise awareness of cervical screening and its importance for women’s health.
The aim is to boost understanding and participation in the cervical screening programme. NHS Lothian recognises that local organisations are best placed to reach women, especially those often missed from screening or facing health inequalities.
Why Cervical Screening Matters:
Cervical screening protects against cervical cancer, which is most common in women aged 25-35. It’s offered every 5 years to those with a cervix aged 25-64.
However, uptake is falling, particularly among younger women aged 25-29, and is lower in deprived areas and minoritised communities. For example, national data shows only 53% of 25-29 year olds are up-to-date, and uptake in the most deprived areas can be over 10 percentage points lower than in the least deprived.
NHS Lothian is seeking applications from organisations that:
- Understand their community’s health challenges.
- Propose innovative, tailored ways to:
- Increase Awareness: Educate community members about screening.
- Encourage Participation: Motivate eligible individuals to attend.
- Reduce Health Inequalities: Engage groups underrepresented in screening.
Support Offered: Successful applicants will receive:
- Up to £2,000 in funding.
- Training for staff and volunteers on screening and inequalities.
- Two funded places on the SCQF accredited Health Issues in the Community (HIIC) course.
This opportunity is open to all third sector and community organisations, individually or in partnership, within the NHS Lothian area.
Application Deadline: August 1st 2025.
A final report will be required to inform NHS Lothian’s submission to the Scottish Government.
Learn more about cervical screening on NHS Inform.
