London: CAPS workshop studies new film resources

Catholics for AIDS Prevention and Support (CAPS) ran a workshop with key stakeholders today (22 June) to test out its draft videos ahead of the October launch of an online, open access resource. CAPS is one of only 13 agencies awarded a grant by Public Health England (PHE) as part of their HIV Prevention Fund.

The resource 'Positive Faith' will offer advice and pastoral support for anyone concerned about or diagnosed with HIV, and tools for churches and schools to raise awareness of HIV and promote action locally, in a faith sensitive way.

Building on the earlier film project 'Love Tenderly, Act Justly: Stories of HIV and Faith' 2014, CAPS are producing a number of short videos based featuring Christians, theologians, and church leaders, many of whom are living with HIV.

Today's event took place in the borough of Lambeth which has the highest prevalence of HIV in the country. It was attended by Christians living with HIV, HIV and sexual health professionals and commissioners, Christian Charities and networks. Participants gave their feedback on videos titled

'Why me? Am I being punished?' 'Do not be afraid' and 'Signs of welcome'.

Victoria Morris, Project Manager and Producer said: "It's important that we put the films we are developing through this process, we need to ensure that we are hitting the right tone, getting the messages right, and have understood the possibilities for using the resource."

Rosie Burridge, Clinical Nurse Specialist who attended today's workshop said: "this is the first time I have encountered a resource that could be used with a patient that is faith based. The direct pastoral approach was very powerful and reassuring."

CAPS is the only Christian charity focusing specifically on the domestic situation and issues of HIV in the UK. We are the only provider of Christian pastoral support for PLWH that is available nationally.

See also:

CAPS website www.caps-uk.org/

Government press release www.gov.uk/government/news/innovative-hiv-prevention-projects-awarded-600000

Facebook page for Positive Faith www.facebook.com/Positive-Faith-CAPS-UK-411183222572382/

Kip Loades – Filmmaker http://chrisloades.webs.com/

ICN 27 October 2014 - London: Catholic HIV conference 'a major success' www.indcatholicnews.com/news/25860

ICN 4 November 2016 - Catholic charity wins major HIV award www.indcatholicnews.com/news/31274