Sixth Form Visitor

Positive Voice for HIV

This term we welcomed Emma Cole from Positive Voice for HIV to speak to the Year 12 students about the stigma surrounding HIV/ AIDS that still exists in UK today.

2023 marks 32 years since the fateful day when Emma’s life changed irrevocably, and she was diagnosed with HIV. In that time many advances have been made with respect to HIV and AIDS but what has changed little is the fear, ignorance and stigma that surround this particular disease.

Emma made the decision after her diagnosis that she was going to speak out publicly as an HIV positive woman in an attempt to breakdown the misconceptions that many had, and still have about HIV. In delivering her Positive Voice talks she not only continues that commitment but also now bring the perspective of a long-term survivor.

Emma is one of the most motivational speakers that we have been privileged to come and speak to our Sixth Form as she delivered her moving and thought-provoking life story. Mixing seriousness with hilarious and, at times, outrageous anecdotes and stories, Emma made all the students laugh, made them cry and demonstrated courage, motivation, and bravery that was truly inspirational.