Describe what you do day to day?
I plan for engagement work in my boroughs of Bolton where we have group sessions, and Wigan where we run sessions, as well as Bury too. I give sexual health advice and offer HIV testing in those communities. I go to different venues where we target our community groups.
Fulfilling aspect of the role?
We dedicate time to engage with community members who want to talk to us. While we discuss sexual health, they often share their experiences related to issues like depression and immigration. We strive to make people feel better by listening to them. Some individuals fear getting tested, and we work to reassure them. When talking to someone facing challenges, it’s crucial for them to feel supported. We also plan to provide our resources, like contraception guides, in multiple languages to reach a diverse audience. I believe BHA is doing an incredible job in the community, and it’s fantastic that this free service is well-received.
Greatest achievements?
We’ve improved the testing service and initiated change. We actively promote our work through social media and filming reels, which many people watch. Our team is strong, and I believe my personal strength lies in engaging with the community. I can persuade new individuals I meet to take the test, even if they hadn’t planned to do so. Our passionate team works hard to spread the word about our services. I often run Q&A sessions with HIV-positive speakers, which encourages others who have the virus to hear their stories and keeps testing at the forefront of their minds. I aim to conduct these sessions quarterly through written content, online platforms, and podcasts.
Challenges?
When you are passionate about doing something and you meet some people who agree to doing things, it is disappointing when it doesn’t happen and then it can become hard to reach the communities without full support. Some people find the sexual health conversation difficult and there’s still a stigma talking about sex and HIV, which we work hard to overcome.
Type of things coming up?
National HIV testing in Bolton.