Shows to help increase awareness of AIDS

20 November 2009

FOUR nights of shows at Stratford Circus mark the culmination of a unique Newham partnership to boost awareness of how to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The shows, which take place around World AIDS Day on Tuesday December 1, are the result of innovative joint working between NHS Newham, Shine (NHS Newham), Newham Sixth Form College (NewVIc), local arts organisations, UEL, the London Borough of Newham, and the Health and Education Advisory Team (HEAT).

The shows have been created by students at NewVIc, local Secondary schools and a variety of youth groups in Newham. The performances were created after the groups received input from sexual health professionals at NHS Newham and then developed through a series of improvised creative arts workshops.

The students have also created information displays and an art display to support the events. Further performances will be taking place at the NewVIc and local schools.

The performances will help audiences understand the issues through dance, drama, music, film and art about how changes in their behaviour can reduce the risk of contracting HIV. In addition, the process of creating the shows has provided a 'deep learning' experience for the students themselves that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Student Arlindo Peto said: "Devising the shows has been a great experience not only from a health point of view but also from an acting perspective. I'm sure that the audiences are really going to enjoy the performances and learn a lot. My views have certainly changed during the time we worked on the project and this has had a big impact on the way I now behave."

Rachel Bradbear (Creative Producer for World Aids Week) said: "This is probably one of the most effective ways of educating young people through participating in something they enjoy. This is an effective partnership between artists and the health organisations and young people of all levels in creative arts from beginners to advanced undergraduate levels.

Dr. Tomás Campbell (Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Newham Community Health and Care Services) said: "HIV is a growing health problem locally and nationally. Research has already demonstrated that this innovative partnership changes the way people behave. The show is great and I hope that lots of people will have the opportunity to see it.

"Our research into a smaller 2007 programme was published in September's edition of Perspectives in Public Health (the official publication of the Royal Society for Public Health). This identified that the students who took part retained information about HIV and condom use, were more confident that they would insist on condom use with partners and planned to use condoms in future."

Cllr Neil Wilson, Newham Council executive member for equalities and social inclusion, said: "AIDS remains a real issue throughout the world, including the UK, and the more people know about the precautions they can take, the better. The council, together with our partners, hopes this is a resounding success in getting the message across to residents."

Dr. Sue Abbott, Consultant Community Gynaecologist and Service Manager NHS Newham said: "Shine's health promotion work is about involving young people in creative and engaging activities that increase their confidence and their ability to have positive relationships and protect their sexual health. It is exciting to be involved in a project which results in fantastic pieces of art as well as letting young people know that if they need sexual and reproductive health services Shine provides a friendly, free and confidential service for all under 24s in Newham."

Performances at Stratford Circus take place at 7pm on Tuesday 1st, Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd with the UEL performance starting at 7.30pm on Friday 4th December. Tickets cost £3 (concessions £2) and are available from the Stratford Circus box office on 0844 357 2625 or online at www.stratford-circus.org