It is important to us to promote that our group are teenagers with needs the same as anyone else at this age group, the only difference being that living with HIV does present some additional issues.

It does not mean that they can not do the same things as any other teenagers their age. Young people living with HIV have many interests like you and me. It is important to remember that even if you are living with HIV, it does not mean you are always unwell. A young person living with HIV can be just as busy, outgoing, happy and healthy as everyone.

We need to remember not to judge others as it is hurtful. Many young people living with HIV want to tell others but can’t as people can be mean. We must all learn to respect that everyone is different and HIV is just a virus like any other.

And remember, anyone could be living with HIV. You cannot tell just by looking at people so DON’T JUDGE. And the only way to know if you are infected with HIV is to GET TESTED

Look how active our group members are. The top picture here shows one of them doing the high ropes at a team building activity weekend we recently went on. The other picture shows one of them on an annual walk we take part in to raise money. You can walk with us every year, just contact us to ask how.

How You Can Get HIV

A lot of young people seem to know how you can get HIV:

• From mother to baby in childbirth and breastmilk
• Through sexual bodily fluids and infected blood.

Some Of The Ways You Cannot Get HIV

• Kissing
• Hugging
• Sharing plates and cutlery
• Drinking from the same cup
• Using the same toilet and bathroom
• Sitting on the same seat
• Wearing the same clothes
• Through coughing or breathing the same air.