HIV+Me

Meet the people from Greater Manchester determined to end HIV stigma and shame
HIV+Me has been screened at many venues and events across Greater Manchester and beyond.
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Help us continue to challenge HIV stigma by screening the films at your venue or event in 2023/24.
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If you'd like to screen the films, please email hello@dibbytheatre.org
About the films
HIV+Me showcases three people living with HIV and their extraordinary stories in three beautifully shot short films.
Find out more about how HIV has changed below
Paul remembers the lovers and friends he lost whilst fighting and campaigning from a grotty basement just off Canal Street.
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Mark revisits the squat he used to call home on Claremont Road and reflects how a positive diagnosis marked the beginning of a new life.
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And Yvonne recalls a lifetime of hiding in the shadows before she found something inside so strong that now helps her help others.
Credits
Stories written and performed by Mark Holder, Yvonne Richards and Paul Fairweather.
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Co-produced with Boca Films.
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Director - Nathaniel Hall
Camera and Editing - Dave Bewick and Pedro Labanca
Production Assistant - Jade Parsley
Stills Photography - Jordan Roberts
Script Development - Nathaniel Hall and Chris Hoyle
Production Advisor - Dennis Keighron-Foster
Producer - Ross Carey
Project partners




HIV has changed
HIV is now a treatable and manageable long term health condition.
People living with HIV who are on medication and who have an undetectable viral load cannot pass the virus on - this is known as Undetectable=Untransmittable or U=U for short.
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There are new ways to protect yourself from HIV too.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a HIV medication taken before sex that is highly effective at stopping HIV transmission, and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) can be taken soon after potential HIV exposure to reduce the risk of transmission.
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PrEP and PEP are both available for free on the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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Condoms remain an effective way to stop transmission too.
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HIV often shows few distinguishable symptoms. Regular testing is important to ensure early diagnosis, stop HIV from being passed on unknowingly and so HIV medication can be prescribed.
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Testing is widely available both in person and through the post - visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids for more.
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Ending HIV transmissions by 2030
There is now a target to end all new transmissions of HIV in the UK by 2030.
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It's hugely ambitious, but it is possible if we all work together.
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Ways you can contribute to ending transmission of HIV:
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Get tested and know your HIV status (people who are sexually active should test every 6-12 months)
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Use condoms or PrEP to protect yourself from HIV
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If you're HIV+ take your medication as prescribed to remain 'undetectable'
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Challenge HIV stigma - fear of HIV leads to a fear of testing and late diagnosis
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Support people living with HIV
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Donate to a charity working to end HIV and HIV stigma
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For more on the Zero 2030 target, visit www.hivcommission.org.uk