Chiva Associates Weekend Inspires New Projects to Connect Young People Living with HIV and Older Peers
Chiva held an ‘Associates Training Weekend’ for 18 young adults who have grown up with HIV. This selected group have accessed Chiva programmes over many years and the majority are regular volunteers at the Freedom to Be (F2B) camp or work alongside Chiva staff to support peer meet-up days around the UK, or specific projects like the Chiva Youth Committee or Art is Key.
The reasons for bringing this group together were to provide some specific training in areas such as Facilitation Skills, Supporting Children and Young People, and Safeguarding. Chiva also wanted to provide a space for these peer workers to focus on self-care and reconnecting with the Chiva community.
Finally, it was also important to spend some time exploring the wider opportunities available to represent Chiva, such as representation on steering groups, or speaking at events or conferences. The group also spent time considering what new programmes and opportunities could be developed, particularly as we know that young people who access Chiva programmes really value the chance to connect with older peers and this is a highly valuable element of our work.
Participants at the event reflected:
‘I love the connection with Chiva. I like to learn in the role. It feels so different than working at “work”. I feel like I have actually helped people’.
‘I have always wanted to continue learning and advocating on HIV.’
There will be a follow up event online in six months time.
