Volunteers project Right From the Start/Homestart

1. Volunteers projectRight From the Start/Homestart Mal Smith & Helen Jessop

2. PROJECT AIM • Work in partnership with ‘Right From The Start’ voluntary organisation, • Train volunteers in breast and cervical screening • Inform women about breast and cervical screening and link of HPV to cervical cancer in Caerphilly Borough over a six month period

3. Background • To raise awareness of cancer screening and respond to opportunities for health promotion • Develop more creative ways of reaching vulnerable groups • Screening uptakes lower in areas of socio-economic deprivation • Increased cancers in socially deprived areas (NCIN, 2008) • Multi-agency approach

4. Background con’t

5. Voluntary organisation - supports young families on safety, health & wellbeing, early years intervention est.1995 Project funded by WAG. Parenting Programme assisted by volunteers. Facilitates empowerment Right From The Start

6. Volunteers • Volunteers were recruited from the local community. • Backgrounds varied, included: • Retired Social worker, Newborn Hearing screener, La Leche League worker, those wanting to gain experience and skills to help return to work. • All had a keen interest in health and social care. • 15 volunteers participated in the project.

7. Undergone 10 week training programme - confidentiality, Health & Safety. - Child protection, CRB checked Funded for expenses Covered by ‘RFTS’ insurance. Volunteers continued • Placed with families identified as vulnerable - behavioural problems, LD, drugs, alcohol, poverty • Homes Risk assessed prior to visits

8. Opportunistic discussions about health screening. Identify barriers to screening. Develop relationship over time, subtle approach, discuss over a number of visits Facilitate overcoming barriers. Complete audit after visit Volunteers community visits

9. Cervical & breast screening overview Roles & responsibilities. Recognition of limitations of role. Awareness Informed consent issues Need for supervision Photo Screening Services Training

10. Resource pack Screening information leaflets Directory of health & social agencies within area Sexual health clinics Women’s Aid NSPCC New Pathways Signposting

11. Monitoring project activity • Supervision • To provide confidential support to the volunteers, address issues encountered and gain project feedback. • Telephone consultation and regular meetings with Volunteers’ Manager. • Screening Services did not have direct supervision contact with volunteers.

12. Monitoring project activity cont’d • Audit forms devised to provide quantitative and qualitativedata. • To monitor level of support (if any) given by the volunteers to their clients. • Identify barriers to screening eg. Literacy, child care, transport, financial. • 29 audit forms completed

13. Significant Findings: • 28% of women had never attended for cervical screening. • 27% of women needed help with literacy. • 21% clients were supported when attending 1st appointments. • 29% clients needed support with follow up appointments / treatment. • 41% clients received assistance with transport arrangements.

14. Implications of findings • Higher risk of developing cancer if never screened • Literacy issue - raises questions about level of public information, ability to read invitation letters ? leaflets? screening results? first and follow-up appointments? • Lack of transport – problems attending appointments

15. Qualitative Data continued • Psychosexual issues - “Will not attend for screening as she does not want anyone ‘down there!” • Previous negative experiences having a smear – raising anxieties concerning future visits. • Specific issues with women with learning disabilities • Financial issues eg bus fares, childcare.

16. Qualitative Data continued • Signposting for contraceptive services, unplanned pregnancies, STI’s, hypertension • Mental health & psychological services • Educational support for children • Erratic children’s diet & poor hygiene ? because of drug/alcohol problems CP. • Young offenders behaviour Group – Anger management.

17. Qualitative Data continued • Breast cancer genetics service. • Issues around breast implants and screening. • Client has taken mother for screening, diagnosed breast cancer, undergoing treatment.

18. Six month evaluation • Questionnaire designed by Screening Services to be completed by volunteers six months after project commenced. • Measure effectiveness of training project outcomes. • Further qualitative data emerged.

19. Positive benefits to volunteers: Reported rewarding experience, helping others, boost confidence and self-esteem. Jobs – enhanced job opportunities (midwife, RFTS) Unexpected outcomes for volunteers

20. Unexpected outcomes for volunteers • Education – returning to study, Access courses, increase future career prospects. • Appropriately advising families, friends and colleagues, knowing when & where to refer. • Volunteers acknowledging significant personal health problems and taking action.

21. Problems encountered • Administration from RFTS. • Lack of supervision from Screening Services. • Ensuring volunteers are not pressuring clients into attending for screening. • Delays in feedback of audit and evaluation. • Nature of volunteering – regular turnover • Ongoing training issues and funding

22. Home-Start offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children in local communities throughout the UK Based in areas of social deprivation Future Projects - Homestart

23. Taking it further? • Volunteers in Cwm Rhymney and Caerphilly have received training in breast, cervical and bowel screening • Development of ‘Tool-kit’ - template for guidance • Exploring development of Screening Services Volunteer programme

24. Thank you for listening For further information contact: • Helen Jessop, Screening Promotion Officer Tel: 029 2078 7819 E-mail: helen.jessop@velindre-tr.wales.nhs.uk • Mal Smith, CSW Nurse Co-ordinator Tel: 01495 332149 E-mail:marilyn.smith@cswpontypool.wales.nhs.uk

25. Diolch yn fawrThank you very much