Awareness, Action and Community: A Month in Outreach
Outreach is a key part of the work we do at Eddystone, helping us take information, support and conversations about HIV and sexual health directly into the community.
Our outreach staff meets people in all kinds of settings - from universities and colleges to community events, workplaces and local venues.
We caught up with one of our Community Sexual Health Workers Matthew to see what he has been up to in the community this month.
What conversations have you had this month that stood out to you?
A lot of the conversations we have had have been around the difference between HIV and AIDS, with people asking questions and wanting to understand more.
We have also been having conversations about PrEP, HIV testing, and where people can access free and confidential testing.
These conversations are important as they give people the opportunity to ask questions, talk openly about HIV and challenge some of the stigma and misconceptions that still exist.
Was there a particular conversation, moment, or interaction that stood out to you? Why?
The conversations around the difference between HIV and AIDS have particularly stood out, as there is still a lot of uncertainty around the subject. People still hold onto old ideas and stigma around what was released in the 80/90s.
Having the opportunity to talk openly with people, answer their questions, and provide information about testing, PrEP, and support is an important part of the work we do.
What’s something you wish more people knew about the support available through Eddystone?
We want people to know that there are lots of opportunities to access free and confidential HIV testing, both through our community work and other testing opportunities.
We also want people to know that they can come and have a conversation, ask questions, and find out more about HIV, AIDS, PrEP, testing and support without feeling judged.
What does being out in the community allow you to do that you might not be able to achieve through other services?
Being out in the community allows us to reach people in different settings and have conversations that they may not otherwise have.
It gives us the opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and make information about HIV, testing, and support more accessible.
During Freshers’ Week, we are attending Freshers’ Fairs, as well as being at the University of Plymouth and City College Plymouth.
We are also working across Plymouth and Cornwall, providing opportunities for people to access information and free testing.
We are providing training for medical and dental students, covering areas including stigma, challenging stigma in the workplace, the law, transmission and medication.
What’s coming up next for you, and where can people find you?
There is a lot happening over the coming weeks.
We are attending Freshers’ Fairs during Freshers’ Week, as well as activities at the University of Plymouth and City College Plymouth.
There is also one open testing session at OMG, alongside open testing sessions within the wider community.
We are also preparing for World AIDS Day, with several awareness and fundraising activities taking place.
At OMG, the door entry fee will go towards Eddystone. There will also be HIV awareness and conversations inside, along with free condoms and lubricant.
We are planning to illuminate Smeaton Tower, the lighthouse and the Environmental Waste Building in St Budeaux in red for World AIDS Day, with the Lord Mayor joining us to turn the lights on.
There will also be stalls at hospitals, alongside opportunities for free and confidential HIV testing within the community.
If you had to sum up this month in three words, what would they be?
Awareness, business, and community.
There has been a real focus on keeping conversations around HIV going, challenging stigma, and making sure people know where they can access free, confidential testing and support.
As we look ahead to World AIDS Day in a few months, the work happening in our communities is more important than ever. From answering questions and challenging misconceptions to providing free, confidential testing and creating opportunities to talk openly about HIV, outreach helps keep these conversations going all year round.
This World AIDS Day, we’ll bring these conversations into even more communities through awareness activities, testing, fundraising, and events across the South West. From lighting landmarks red to hosting stalls and speaking directly with people in the community, we’re continuing to raise awareness, challenge HIV stigma and make sure people know that support is available. So, we’ve got a lot to prepare for!
World AIDS Day is an opportunity to remember how far we’ve come, recognise the work that still needs to be done, and keep working towards a future without HIV stigma.