The Worcestershire Cricket Foundation (WCF) recently held two sessions at Thorns Collegiate Academy in Dudley, blending sport with discussions around HPV vaccinations and cervical screening.

Funded as part of a research project with the Dudley Integrated Care Board (ICB), the sessions were designed to be fun, inclusive, and informative.

Elsa-Marie Evans, head of community programmes at the WCF, said: "The sessions were fantastic.

"Thanks to the funding, we were able to host glow cricket for participants across Dudley and gather vital insight around HPV vaccinations and cervical screening.”

The events, aimed at women and girls, featured cricket, complimentary food, and an informal classroom conversation focused on women’s health.

A total of 90 participants took part—31 girls aged eight to 14, and 59 women aged 14 and over.

Attendees were invited to anonymously answer questions about HPV vaccinations and cervical screening, supporting broader community research.

Chloe Hill, women and girls development officer at the WCF, said: "We had great fun at the sessions, seeing 90 female participants across two weeks.

"It was a great opportunity for us to engage with people who are seasoned cricketers, some who were new to the game, and some who had never played at all before."

The sessions also contributed valuable insights for ongoing research and community health programmes.