Midcheshire Independent Issue 186

DECEMBER 2025 10 SCAN & BOOK FRI 16 JAN 7.30PM BOOK NOW 0161 477 7779 * stockportplaza.co.uk * * BOOKING FEE APPLIES DAME Laura Kenny, Britain’s most suc- cessful female Olym- pic athlete, is backing a new campaign to tackle health-re- lated stigma. The Cheshire cycling legend, who lives in Chelford, is supporting the Look Beyond the Bias campaign. It has been launched by international biophar- maceutical group Chiesi UK and Ireland to raise awareness of stigma and bias faced by people liv- ing with chronic or rare health conditions. Its survey of 1,148 peo- ple has highlighted that seven in 10 have experi- enced stigma, judgement or blame due to their health condition. And more than 60 per cent of people have hidden their condition from colleagues or their A NEW ‘bold’ approach to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping in Cheshire East is under consideration. It comes as latest figures from The Rough Sleeping Prevention Service, launched in the borough this year, offered accommodation to 79 individ- uals in its first four months, with 19 already having successfully moved on to longer-term housing. Cheshire East Council has now launched a consultation on its draft homelessness strategy. It comes at a time when nationally there are ‘unprecedented’ levels of home- lessness – pressures which the coun- cil says are also being felt by many in the borough. In response, it says it is taking a more ‘people-focused’ approach, with an emphasis on preventing homelessness before it occurs while also strengthening the support available for those who are. Michael Gorman, who chairs the council’s economy and growth commit- tee, said: “Now is the right time to con- tinue with a bold approach to reducing homelessness and rough sleeping. “However, tackling homelessness is not something we can do alone. It requires strong collaboration across sectors and communities. “It’s important to note, however, that this work has already started. As an example, the council has made signifi- cant progress in reducing rough sleeping in the south of the borough this year.” He added: “The Rough Sleeping Pre- vention Service, which is commissioned by the council and managed by YMCA Cheshire, launched in April and in its first four months offered accommoda- tion to 79 individuals, with 19 already having successfully moved on to longer- term housing. “A similar service for the north of the borough was launched last week and is also expected to deliver posi- tive outcomes.” Looking beyond the bias Working to tackle homelessness Campaigning: Dame Laura Kenny SPECIAL REPORT employer. Campaigners say the research demon- strates a stark warning: bias may impact access to fair and inclusive care. Dame Laura said: “After being diagnosed with asthma at a young age, I experienced the same assumptions that many people do when diagnosed with respira- tory conditions. “The Look Beyond the Bias campaign high- lights how stigma can affect so many of us, and why it’s so important to speak up. “Health-related bias shouldn’t be a barrier for anyone and by shining a light on it through this campaign, we can help ensure that everyone feels valued and empow- ered with the confidence to get the care and sup- port they deserve.” She added: “When I was younger, I was defi- nitely treated differently because of my health, particularly when I was at primary school. “And I’ve seen it hap- pen to others. My friend with chronic fatigue is constantly told she’s ‘just tired’ or ‘being dramatic’. That kind of dismissal chips away at your confidence.” The survey also found that 57 per cent of respondents had avoided seeking medical support due to stigma, and 70 per cent had isolated them- selves from loved ones out of fear of judgement. Dame Laura has revealed she had wit- nessed the real impact of bias, including through her mother’s experience with chronic obstruc- tive pulmonary disease (COPD). She said: “My mum had to go back to the GP five or six times before she was referred to a specialist. She kept saying something wasn’t right, but it took too long. “It wasn’t until Covid hit that I realised how serious her condition was – she was terrified to do anything. “Getting the diagnosis and the right treatment changed her life, but it shouldn’t have taken that long. “I didn’t really under- stand her condition when she was first diagnosed, but having seen her struggle to be heard reinforces to me how important this campaign is. Everyone deserves to be taken seriously, no matter their condition, who they are or where they live.” Jonathan Blades, director of external affairs at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Stigma around lung conditions is too often ignored, but the damage it causes is far reaching. “Our research shows people with lung condi- tions often feel judged as lazy or unfit, avoided on public transport because of their cough, or too embarrassed or guilty to seek the medical help they need.” The campaign has brought together patient organisations, health- care professionals, and advocacy partners to challenge harmful assumptions and pro- mote more inclusive, equitable care.