UK
Our UK project partner, Body & Soul, is a unique charity supporting children, teenagers, women, hetrosexual men and their families living with, or closely affected by HIV/AIDS. Teenspirit is the focus for Bottletop’s support. This group supports teenagers aged 13-19 who know of their own HIV status or a family member’s. Society’s stigma and ignorance surrounding HIV means the majority of young people living with HIV are forced to live in isolation.
Teenspirit was the first project set up which recognised that teenagers living with HIV needed support in order to cope. A core aim of the group is to equip and empower young people with the skills, information and confidence to respond positively to the challenges they face, which range from family conflict to multiple needs depression and self harming.
The holistic approach taken by Body & Soul not only helps teenagers find solutions to their immediate problems but also works with them to build their self-esteem. Information, support and advice are available to help them make informed choices for their futures and make positive longer term changes in their lives.
”Without Bottletop’s support there wouldn’t be a voice for young people living with HIV in the UK”
Emma Colyer, Director, Body and Soul