HIV (Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru)

Introduction to the HIV e-learning module

We are proud to have worked with the Terrence Higgins Trust to design and develop this e-learning training titled 'Can't pass it on', which aims to build knowledge and confidence about HIV within the adult social care workforce in Wales.

The training addresses outdated beliefs and misunderstandings about HIV, reinforcing that the virus cannot be transmitted through everyday contact such as touching, coughing, sharing dishes or providing personal care. It emphasises the message Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), explaining how effective treatment prevents transmission.

It also covers topics such as:

dispelling myths about HIV in modern Wales
how to provide high-quality, dignified care for people living with HIV in social care.

Introductory video

Transcript

Hello I'm Gemma Halliday, and I’m an Assistant Director at Social Care Wales. Our vision is to make a positive difference to care and support in Wales for children, adults and their families and carers. Many people who work in Social Care need to register with us. Being registered with us means that you are part of a professional workforce and can show that you have the right skills and knowledge to provide good care and support to the people of Wales. We believe in a strengths-based approach and this means that we are focused on the individual, and work together with them to decide how to support their health and wellbeing, and live the best lives possible.

This HIV resource is important for everyone working in social care, as social care should be provided in an anti-discriminatory way. We want to make sure that people living with HIV don't face stigma, whether they are receiving care and support or working in the social care sector. We want to reinforce the message of U=U, undetectable means untransmittable. Part of this is to make sure that any out of date or incorrect myths are busted. I can personally remember the HIV and AIDS messaging from the 80s, so I want to make sure that people understand that things are different now, and that people with HIV can live long, healthy lives including having children free HIV. We want to celebrate the success of HIV treatments, and we thank you for carrying out this e-learning. This shows your commitment to developing a stigma-free social care sector here in Wales.

This learning module will help make sure your practice meets the requirements of the Code of Professional Practice. All social care workers should follow the Code, even if they don't have to register with us. And it's important to remember that discriminatory behaviour is not acceptable, and could call into question a registered social care worker's fitness to practice. After you've finished the module, please take some time to think about what you've learnt and how it can support you with your day-to-day practice. Maybe talk to your employer or manager and share your thoughts with them.

Can't pass it on

Go to the HIV e-learning training

Information for social care workers, social workers and students

This e-learning will support you to provide high-quality care for people living with HIV in Wales. It aims to improve your understanding of HIV, including increasing your understanding of how it is transmitted.

Research shows that many people still hold long-standing myths about HIV and may feel anxious about supporting people living with it. This training provides up-to-date, accurate information to address these concerns.

This training is relevant for everyone working in social care, supporting an anti-discriminatory approach and helping to ensure that people living with HIV do not experience stigma, whether they are receiving care or working in the sector.

We believe in a strengths-based approach in social care. This means focusing on the individual and working together to decide how best to support their health and wellbeing, so that they can live the best life possible.

Completing this training will support you in meeting the requirements of the Code of Professional Practice for Social Care.

Information for social care managers and employers

This training resource will support your teams to provide non-stigmatised, high-quality care for people living with HIV. It highlights the effectiveness of modern HIV treatments and helps to address common misunderstandings.

Completing this training can support your employees in meeting the Code of Professional Practice for Social Care Workers, which all workers should follow, even if they do not need to register. It also helps you meet the requirements of the Code of Professional Practice for Social Care Employers.

You are not alone in using this resource — Social Care Wales and the Terrence Higgins Trust are here to support you. If you need help, you can email policy@socialcare.wales or contact the Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru

Can't pass it on

Go to the HIV e-learning training