Excellence in Communications via Meetings

Summary of work

As young people growing up with HIV reach their mid-teens, they must move on from the familiarity of paediatric care into the world of adult HIV services. This transition can be a challenging and confusing time and young people living with HIV can feel lost and overwhelmed. This initiative aimed to build empathy among HIV specialist HCPs and activate them to better support the young people coming into their care. We invited a group of diverse and dynamic young people growing up with HIV to develop a symposium at two HIV healthcare professional conferences. Using dance, poetry, music and drama they captured the audience’s imagination, taking them on a powerfully emotional journey through the realities of growing up with HIV. They discussed how they felt when HIV was named to them, how HIV affects their confidence, self-esteem and relationships, and their expectations and concerns about adult services. The symposium left the audience with tangible tips and a renewed sense of inspiration to better support the young people in their care. Over 90% of the audience who attended the symposia said they were likely to change their practice as a result of what they had seen, heard and felt.

Judges' comments

We loved this genuinely different innovative, inspiring and impactful programme. It’s hard to see how this could have been done in a more effective way, using the input and ownership of young people to communicate more effectively to HCPs and, in the meantime, grow and develop personally. A very brave approach.