2014 Treatment activism training course

2-6 September 2014

Land End Conference Centre, Buckinghamshire

Venue

Training programme

Presentations from this training

Following the success of the 2013 residential training, UK-CAB is running the treatment activism course again. The course is ideal for members who would like to develop or improve their skills and knowledge in treatment and activism.

 Deadline for applications is 15 August 2014

Background:

Since the first meetings in 2002 the UK-CAB has developed to a network with more than 600 members from over 120 organisations.

UK-CAB members are now formally involved in all activities run by BHIVA including conference programmes and national treatment guidelines. The CAB meets with all research-based companies and has developed connections with national and internationally recognised experts who present trainings at our meetings.

CAB members have a wide diversity and depth of individual experiences. There are also very different levels of involvement in the range of activities that the CAB is involved in. Some people use the forums to stay connected and up-to-date and others come forward for higher profile activities.

As an activist network and at a time when the NHS is undergoing great change it is important that both new and experienced activists have the opportunity to grow and develop their skills, and to be supported if they want to become more active.

In line with developing HIV activism in the UK, the CAB is therefore organizing a 5-day intensive training retreat in September. This first course will be for 10-12 CAB members.

 Aim of the training:

The primary aim of the workshop is to help individual CAB members to improve their skills and confidence. The outcome will be for people who attend the course to become more engaged and active in UK-CAB activities over the following year.

 Outcomes of the training:

• To develop a pool of advocates with stronger advocacy skills, confidence and enthusiasm to go out and get involved in line with CAB roles as patient reps on committees, studies, BHIVA guidelines, etc.
• Advocates with greater confidence and understanding of HIV treatment, research and science.
• Advocates who represent from patient forums from their treatment centres.
• Advocates who take up active roles in UK-CAB working groups:

o   UKCAB email forum discussion

o   UKCAB speaker group

o   Advocacy resources

o   BHIVA guidelines and study representation

o   Patient forum development

o   Media/PR

 Criteria for attending the course:

• Have basic literacy levels and willing to learn new skills; this training will be the foundation.
• Keen, willing and committed with a desire to learn about HIV and science through writing, discussions, reading studies and scientific journals.
• An opportunity to confront issues you are not confident at; breaking down the barriers.
• Open about HIV status and active and have a dynamic and interest in changing things.
• Commit to take on posts on CAB roles such as BHIVA posts, CAB steering group, clinical trials steering groups, Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), etc.

Applicants will be asked to do some preliminary work to assess their skills level.

The training will include:

• Understanding trial design and research.
• Science in research meaning of evidence-base science.
• Treatment literacy – how to read a scientific paper.
• Virology and immunology.
• Personal development – assertiveness, interpersonal skills, how to apply these in daily life.
• ABC of HIV – inequalities in social settings, NHS structures etc.
• ABC of good communication – public speaking (practical exercise) to be able to speak at conferences to represent patient views.

Training venue

• Lane End Conference Centre is a  purpose built residential venue conference centre to give delegates the opportunity to focus on the task at hand whilst relaxing in a peaceful environment designed to enhance learning and development: http://www.lane-end-conferences.co.uk