Supporting children with HIV in Bristol and beyond

Formed in 2002 by a group of paediatricians, a charity based in the centre of Bristol is enhancing the health and wellbeing of children living with HIV across the UK.

CHIVA not only supports children and young people throughout the country but also provides resources and information for families and professionals and works to combat the stigma associated with the virus.

“HIV remains a complicated health condition for young people to manage, particularly throughout their lives and as HIV unfortunately remains stigmatised it is something many young people find difficult to be open about,” says the charity’s CEO, Amanda Ely.

“Knowledge and understanding of HIV needs to be brought up to date, too many people still hold outdated understanding about HIV. This leads to stigma and misinformation about HIV makes the experience of growing up with HIV as a young person so much more challenging.”

The continued stigmatisation of HIV, a virus that damages the cells in immune systems, weakening their ability to fight everyday infections and disease, means that many children find accessing support difficult.

The charity works to support these young people and help them to feel less isolated, empowering them to live fulfilling lives. This is done through art, regional support, working with families, projects, and residential camps.

CHIVA, located on Orchard Street, also shares information and resources with professionals so that they are aware of out-of-date stereotypes and how young people need to be supported.

A new podcast is the latest project to come from CHIVA and the young people it supports.

Run in partnership with Turtle Key Arts, ArcHIVe was created by children working with artists and was created in a week at a residential camp. It was then put together by Hammersmith-based Lyric Theatre.

“The project provides a therapeutic experience and enables young people to connect with their peers and create work collectively,” says Amanda.

“The young people chose to share their personal experiences and also wanted to present messages of hope to both wider peers also living with HIV who may listen to the podcast, but also serving to educate the wider public about the experience of growing up with HIV as a young person today.”

Using music, spoken work and drama, ArcHIVe hopes to actively combat misinformation and stigma surrounding the virus.

CHIVA supports children and young people throughout the UK. Photo: CHIVA

“We want young people in particular to listen to the ArcHIVe and for HIV to become more normalised,” Amanda says.

“Young people who have HIV are simply living with a virus, which can be very well treated today, and when they are on effective HIV treatment, they will not pass HIV on to their partners, and women who have HIV and are on effective treatment will not pass on HIV to their babies if they become pregnant.”

Through the new podcast and the work that CHIVA does to campaign for wider understanding, and in supporting young people to be healthy and happy, the charity aims to make HIV an easier virus to live with for those who have it.

“Amanda says: At CHIVA we will continue to provide support to young people and seek opportunities for them to be empowered to share their views, thoughts and ideas to enhance wider understanding of HIV and end HIV related stigma.”

Main photo: CHIVA

Read more: A look into the lives of those in the HIV and AIDS community