OUR WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

This section explains our work with young people for anyone who is interested in Chiva. If you’re a young person living with HIV, find information here specifically for you.

Chiva works with clinics to help children and young people find professional and peer support throughout the year. Our projects and activities aim to develop children and young people’s resilience for living with a long-term health condition, by:

  • enhancing their knowledge and understanding of HIV
  • reducing isolation and internalised stigma
  • helping build positive connections between young people who are growing up with HIV
  • building confidence and amplifying their voices
  • supporting them to develop positive coping strategies
  • boosting aspirations and hopes for the future.

Young people are also at the heart of Chiva’s campaigning work to address the ongoing stigma around HIV. By improving awareness and understanding of HIV amongst professionals and the public, we seek to ensure that the rights and needs of children and young people growing up with HIV are met.

Projects and activities include:

  • an annual residential camp for young people aged 11–16 who are living with HIV across the UK and Ireland
  • creative engagement projects for young adults living with HIV (age 17+)
  • regional groups that improve young people’s access to peer support in South West England, London, Midlands, Yorkshire and Wales 
  • participation and patient involvement projects that give young people a voice in decision-making about clinical guidelines, service provision, research and Chiva’s activities and direction
  • individual support for children, young people and families.

Find out more by visiting the project pages in this section.

There are many ways that Chiva can support people during and after they have transitioned to adult care. Read some inspiring stories from young adults here.

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