Learning from practice

Staffordshire Buddies is a voluntary organisation with an established track record in providing services for people living with the HIV virus. They are skilled in supporting people who are directly affected by the virus as well those infected by it. For children and young people who have a family member living with or affected by HIV or are directly affected themselves, some very difficult issues have to be faced.

A sensitive approach is vital and any project worker must take into account all the complex issues around boundaries and confidentiality. The Local Network Fund supported a series of away-day events delivering training on Children and HIV for volunteers and staff.

Children and young people were involved in the planning of activities, and the sessions allowed the opportunity to raise issues relating to their or their parent’s HIV status.

Example taken from Letting the future in - a celebration of innovative projects for children and young people supported by the DfES administered Local Network Fund, and compiled by Community Links - see www.community-links.org/