4 minute read
SEXUAL HEALTH
from GNI MAG ISSUE 40
by GNI MAG
FEATURE // SEXUAL HEALTH 10 LET’S TALK ABOUT... SEXUAL HEALTH
FEBRUARY MARKS THE MONTH in which sexual health week takes place across Northern Ireland.
We spoke to Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive at HIV support charity, Positive Life, about the work the organisation is doing to encourage everyone to take control of their own sexual health.
“Sexual Health Week helps us remind everyone that it really is up to them as individuals to take control of their own sexual health”, says Richardson from the Positive Life headquarters in south Belfast.
“No one can do that for you so its important not to live in ignorance. Like your physical and mental health, its vital that the sexual health element of life is also kept in check. We want to ensure that people take precautions, and if they feel at risk to get tested regularly”, she added.
Talking about Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections is one area that she says we need to get a real grip on here in Northern Ireland.
embarrassment of discussing these issues. Sex and Relationships are part of everyday life and we must bring it out into the open so much more. We have big problems around the teaching of Relationship and Sex Education in schools for example and that has a lasting impact. We know from some of our service users at Positive Life that their lives could be different if they were given the right type of information in their formative years.”
Positive Life is one such organisation promoting a positive future for people living with or affected by HIV in Northern Ireland. It has been making a positive contribution to the quality of people’s lives for over 30 years.
The work of the charity focuses mainly on supporting needs in a way that creates independence by providing a range of services such as rapid HIV testing, drop-in services, counselling and complementary
therapies from its headquarters in south Belfast.
“In Northern Ireland, sexual health is still very much a taboo topic and HIV especially so. Those living here with HIV can feel pushed away and detached from society. We have heard far too many stories about people who are faced with a diagnosis and are forced to handle it completely alone”, Richardson added.
“Our job is to promote the idea of empowering people to take control of their own sexual health. The reason why we do so is that we work with many people who regret not taking appropriate precautionary measures. They also say to us that they didn’t have the right information growing up and that points to a real failure in how we educate our young people here.”
Positive Life is working harder than ever to promote awareness of the now lifelong condition in Northern Ireland with Richardson directing wider campaigns such as the awareness raising around World AIDS Day, Testing Week and the ongoing fight against Stigma.
“Positive Life is striving to combat the loneliness and isolation affecting those living with HIV. One of the most important things we do is provide people with that all-important human connection.”
“We provide a lot of services, but I think one of the most important is probably our regular informal activities. Whether just a cuppa and a chat or an information event, these allow our service users to relax and to have a bit of craic in a safe space.”
“People come to us sometimes looking for someone who understands the complexities of living with a HIV, to have a laugh with, or just someone to chat to about last night’s television. The work that we do is vital to those who need support.”
“Let’s talk more about sex and sexual health, before it’s too late”, she concluded.
Positive Life is the only charity in Northern Ireland dedicated to supporting people living with or affected by HIV.
Positive Life exists to promote a positive future for people living with or affected by HIV.
We work to remove stigma by raising awareness of the impact of HIV.
We work to educate and challenge the myths that surround HIV.
We engage with service users to ensure they have a voice in the policy arena.
We respond to people’s support needs in a way that creates independence
Positive Life services include: • Rapid HIV Testing • Drop-in Service • Counselling • Complementary Therapies • Information Evenings • Social Events • Family Support Telephone: 028 9024 9268
