HIV Matters

HIV Matters explores the power of personal narratives in "Our Stories Told By Us." Join Michelle, extra special guest host Winnie, and Oonagh O'Brien for a discussion on the impact of sharing lived experiences and the diverse journeys within the HIV community.

Episode Guest

Oonagh O'Brien

Oonagh is a Lecturer in Global Health and Development at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her work focuses on gender, sexual health, and the prevention of female genital mutilation (FGM). Oonagh has a long-standing commitment to human rights, especially the women's movement and the rights of people living with HIV. She brings a wealth of international experience and a passion for social justice to her teaching and research.

Additional Information and Links 

CW Plus

https://www.cwplus.org.uk/

HIV Matters Bookstore

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HIVMatters

How to contact the show 

[email protected]

https://hiv-matters.captivate.fm

HIV Matters dives into the world of dating apps and their impact on the HIV community. Michelle sits down with Jaime to explore how these platforms are changing the landscape of dating, relationships, and stigma for people living with HIV.

Episode Guest

Jaime Garcia-Iglesias

Jaime is a Midred Baxter Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society at The University of Edinburgh. Jamie is working on exploring how sexual fantasies and desires can be harnessed for HIV prevention by engaging with a range of stakeholders.

Additional Information and Links 

CW Plus

https://www.cwplus.org.uk/

HIV Matters Bookstore

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HIVMatters

How to contact the show 

[email protected]

https://hiv-matters.captivate.fm

HIV Matters continues with a powerful episode featuring returning guest Stephen Hart. Michelle explores Stephen's incredible life story, as told through his acclaimed one-man show "Shadowed Dreamer.".

Episode Guest

Stephen Hart is well known for the critically acclaimed off-broadway show "Shadowed Dreamer", discussing life after becoming a man living with HIV. When finishing this show, Stephen knew there was something more he could do, so decided to start uploading videos to YouTube under the title "Hart Talks".

Additional Information and Links 

CW Plus

https://www.cwplus.org.uk/

HIV Matters Bookstore

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HIVMatters

How to contact the show 

[email protected]

https://hiv-matters.captivate.fm

HIV Matters returns for its fifth series! In "New Chapter," Michelle catches up with producer Dan and friend of the show David Munns to discuss the evolving landscape of HIV and what they have in store for listeners this season.

Episode Guests

Producer Dan (Heggie)

Dan is a highly experienced and self-motivated Lecturer at the University of East Anglia (UEA) with a passion for teaching and a strong clinical background. He is a confident and engaging communicator with a proven track record of delivering high-quality education and training.

David Munns

David Munns is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in London, providing vital mental health support to people living with HIV. He helps patients manage the challenges of aging with HIV, including depression, PTSD, and addiction.

Additional Information and Links 

HIV Matters Bookstore

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HIVMatters

How to contact the show 

[email protected]

https://hiv-matters.captivate.fm

In this episode, Michelle catches up with friend of the podcast Katie Warburton on updates to her research and work within children living with HIV.

Episode Guest

Katie Warburton is a lecturer at The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) and is active member of CHIVA’s executive committee. 

Additional Information and Links 

For more information on naming of HIV and information on supporting children living with HIV

https://www.chiva.org.uk/ourworkprof/tr/

National HIV Nurse Association (NHIVNA) www.nhivna.org.

HIV Matters Bookstore

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HIVMatters

How to contact the show 

[email protected]

https://hiv-matters.captivate.fm

In this episode, Michelle chats with Dr Philip Ambulai and Rebecca Kanu about Mini's Village Foundation.

Subject Description - Mini's Village Foundation (MVF)

By 2025, MVF aims to raise awareness and provide screening for HIV and HBV, enabling early treatment interventions and combating the stigma associated with these conditions in Sierra Leone. MVF's mission is to support sexual disease awareness, immunisation, and treatment initiatives, particularly for young people aged 14-50 years. Committed to delivering high standards of safety and compassionate care, MVF collaborates with patients, families, medical professionals, and communities. Their core values include respect, integrity, and teamwork, ensuring patient needs are at the heart of their sustainable services.

Episode Guest - Dr Philip Ambulai

Dr. Philip Lahai Ambulai is the CEO and Director of a leading micro medical diagnostic company and the Founder and Director of Mini's Village Foundation (MVF), a UK-registered not-for-profit organization (registration number 1205457). With over 15 years of clinical and research expertise, Dr. Ambulai is dedicated to advancing healthcare solutions. MVF, under his leadership, provides free healthcare services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, HBV, and STDs in Sierra Leone, reflecting his commitment to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Episode Guest - Miss Rebecca Kanu

Rebecca Kanu is the Co-Founder of MVF and currently works as a Senior Clinical Research Coordinator. Named in honor of Rebecca's mother, Mini, who contracted HIV through a needle stick injury while serving as a nurse, MVF embodies a deep commitment to healthcare and community support. Rebecca plays a pivotal role in advancing MVF’s mission to combat the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and HBV in Sierra Leone. Mini's Village Foundation Links

Website - https://www.minisvillagefoundation.org

Email - [email protected]

Contact Number - +44 (0) 7852 148177

Additional Information and Links 

National HIV Nurse Association (NHIVNA) www.nhivna.org.

HIV Matters Bookstore

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HIVMatters

How to contact the show 

[email protected]

https://hiv-matters.captivate.fm

In this episode, Michelle chats with Dr Orla McQuillan.

Episode Guest - Dr Orla McQuillan

Dr. Orla McQuillan is a Consultant Physician specialising in Genitourinary Medicine, HIV, and Sexual Health at the Withington and Hathersage Centre. She serves as the Fast Track Clinical Lead for Manchester and the site lead for HIV testing. She advocates for the widespread availability of PrEP medication and focuses on raising awareness, education, and enhancing testing and outreach to identify undiagnosed HIV cases in Greater Manchester.

Additional Information and Links 

National HIV Nurse Association (NHIVNA) www.nhivna.org.

HIV Matters Bookstore

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HIVMatters

How to contact the show 

[email protected]

https://hiv-matters.captivate.fm

In this episode, Michelle chats with the Chair of NHIVNA and HIV Nurse of the Year Linda Panton.

Episode Guest - Linda Panton

Linda Panton, a seasoned clinical nurse specialist, leads HIV care at Edinburgh's Infectious Diseases Unit. With 30 years in the field, she emphasizes compassionate, comprehensive care. Linda was honored as HIV Nurse of the Year in 2022 and chairs the National HIV Nurses Association (NHIVNA) Executive. She actively contributes to national initiatives and conferences, focusing on advancing HIV nursing practices.

Additional Information and Links 

National HIV Nurse Association (NHIVNA) www.nhivna.org.

HIV Matters Bookstore

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HIVMatters

How to contact the show 

[email protected]

https://hiv-matters.captivate.fm

In this episode, Michelle chats with Jen Kendrick around her leadership in HIV care simulated learning.

Episode Guest - Jen Kendrick

Jen Kendrick is the lead HIV clinical specialist nurse at The Hathersage Centre in Manchester, with 13 years of experience in the field. She began as a band 5 rotational nurse and has since advanced to her current role. Drawn to HIV care by its challenges, Jen finds it profoundly rewarding. She uses her expertise to support patients' health and social care needs, offering ongoing psychological support. Jen also chairs the north west HIV nursing alliance and looks forward to contributing to the NHIVNA executive committee, aiming to enhance support for people living with HIV nationally.

Additional Information and Links 

National HIV Nurse Association (NHIVNA) www.nhivna.org.

HIV Matters Bookstore

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HIVMatters

How to contact the show 

[email protected]

https://hiv-matters.captivate.fm

Join Michelle as she chats with Graeme Lavery about living with HIV and Autism. 

Episode Guests

Graeme Lavery

Graeme Lavery, a Liverpool-based textile artist, draws inspiration from pop culture and LGBT history. Returning to Liverpool in 2014, Graeme joined Sahir House, becoming a public speaker but initially keeping his HIV status private due to stigma. In 2016, he embraced visibility at Liverpool Pride, dressing as "Cupid Stunt" and leading Sahir House. Graeme finds empowerment in textile art, exploring identity and resilience. He connects his craft to the legacy of AIDS, honoring LGBT communities and celebrating life and love.

Additional Information and Links 

HIV Matters Bookstore 

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HIVMatters

How to contact the show 

Dr Michelle Croston @ [email protected]

https://hiv-matters.captivate.fm