New advice, videos and resources to help you make a difference in young people’s lives

As someone who supports young people’s sexual health, you can make a big difference to their lives. But it can be tough to know how to approach sensitive topics, and how to keep up with the latest developments.

That’s why we’ve created new content that will help you provide the best possible support. There’s practical advice on how to support young people with HIV, young LGBT+ people, and young people who might benefit from using PrEP, plus tips on how to make the most of the wealth of resources we have on Be in the KNOW.

Community health workers and educators save lives

It can be easy to lose track of just how important the kind of work you do is. But in one of our new videos Margaret Odera, community health worker and mentor mother in Nairobi, Kenya, makes it clear: “Community health workers save lives,” she says. “I am an example of a life that has been saved.”

Now 45, Margaret got HIV when she was a young women. And for a long time she avoided all healthcare. But after she got pregnant, a mentor mother welcomed her, gave her support and hope for the future. It changed the course of her life forever.

Supporting young people living with HIV

“As a young person who is growing up …there is so much that happens to you psychologically,” says Doreen, who appears in another one of our new videos. Doreen found out she had HIV as a child but stopped taking her treatment as a young women. When she was hospitalised, she recalls how a doctor judged her and did not understand why she was struggling to adhere.

“This doctor did not really understand that as a young person living with HIV somebody needs to walk with you through this journey,” she says.

Finding the right words to reach young people with HIV can be tough, and none of us get it right all the time. Our new supporting young people with HIV page offers practical advice to help you make your services and support as friendly as possible to young people. There are tips on the kind of things to say (and what not to say), plus case studies that demonstrate how to put young people at ease, and what might have them running for the door.

Supporting young LGBT+ people

Our new inclusive sexual healthcare for young LGBT+ people page shows you how to address the specific issues that young LGBT+ people face when it comes to sexual health, HIV, stigma, mental health, gender dysphoria and transitioning. We also have a page with advice on how to create an inclusive environment to make sure everyone feels welcome and safe.

And if you want to know the difference inclusive healthcare can make, Kayla’s story is worth checking out.

Talking to young people about PrEP

To help young people take control of their health, talking to them about HIV prevention is essential. And this includes PrEP. Young people are likely to have questions, misconceptions and concerns about PrEP. Our new talking about PrEP page will help you address them with care and clarity.

There’s a tool you can use to work out which young people might benefit from PrEP, plus videos and advice to help you bust myths, know when PrEP is not a good option, and support PrEP adherence. You’ll also find guidance on what to do if PrEP is unavailable, and whether PrEP is safe for young people if they are pregnant, transitioning or inject drugs.

How to get the most out of Be in the KNOW

Be in the KNOW has everything you need to help young people understand and take action on HIV and sexual health and a brand new page that walks you through how to use this wealth of resources.

So dive in – explore, use and share our content! And let us know what you think – we always love to hear your feedback!