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TEEN SPIRIT
TEEN SPIRIT is a unique support group for teenagers (13 upwards)
who know of their HIV status or that of a member of their
family. BODY & SOUL is unique within the HIV sector as it is
the only group in the U.K. providing weekly support to teenagers
living with, or affected by HIV & AIDS.
TEEN SPIRIT has gone from strength to strength, the first and only
group in the U.K to tackle a very sensitive age, where along with
coping with school, growing up, hormones - the every day problems
of adolescence; TEEN SPIRIT gives the security to discuss the very
real complex issues of HIV within their family.
Children whose parents have a terminal illness, be it Cancer or
Leukemia, can gain support from friends, family and teachers; it
is not the same for those whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS.
With the fear, prejudice and bigotry that surrounds HIV/AIDS, many
young people live with HIV in the family as a "secret"
and in isolation, knowing school is often not a place where you
can be open. This group allows teenagers to talk about the difficulties
they experience and for many, it is the only place where they can
talk openly and easily about HIV & AIDS.
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Thursdays
4.30pm - 8.00pm
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Spirit of Youth - Film
This film takes you on a journey with a group of young people
living with, or directly affected by HIV & AIDS.
This film is part of an Educational Programme for primary
/ secondary schools in the UK. The Programme will include
lesson activities, games, information and statistics about
HIV & AIDS.
"Spirit of Youth" Educational
Programme £15 + VAT
Starring :
TEEN SPIRIT
Special Guests : Another Level, Richard Blackwood,
Boyzone, Mark Bright, Lolita Chakrabarti, Damage, Hinda Hicks,
Sam Janus, Adrian Lester, Daniela Nardini, Gary Olsen, Kevin
Osbourne & Truce.
For further details please contact
the Body & Soul office.
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"In TEEN SPIRIT we work together a
as a team, offering each other support and love. We do workshops;
watch videos. TEEN SPIRIT is our home from home and here we talk
about HIV/AIDS openly. We are allowed to talk about anything which
enables us to really express our feelings and views."
Abdul aged 17
TEEN SPIRIT has over 300 members attending from all London Boroughs
and also has members from different parts of the UK, alongside members
from the Far East, America and Ireland. Members who do not live
within regular traveling distance to BODY & SOUL, contact is
maintained by Newsletter, e-mail, letters and telephone. They are
able to telephone other members who they do not regularly see, be
it Tuesdays or Thursdays.
Regular telephone conversations help break down isolation especially
when you have no one to talk to; or someone who understands what
you are going through. Not only do members of TEEN SPIRIT keep regular
contact with those who are unable to access the group regularly,
so do the Youth Workers.
Each session sees approximately 25-40 members attending. This changes
each week due to the family situation and school. Throughout the
week, if needed, young people can access support outside structured
sessions. On average, a young person will access the centre twice
a week, during holidays it could be more as activities are scheduled
over a couple of days.
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