Think of HIV and AIDS and we immediately imagine an African problem.  However, recent figures have painted an alarming picture of the spread of the infection in the UK. With nearly 80,000 confirmed HIV cases in this country and over one quarter unaware of their infection, it is likely that, within our community or even our church congregation, we will encounter people infected and affected.

In the Chester area, the churches are at the forefront of tackling this issue, both within their congregations and in local schools.  Jayne Price works as a Christian sexual health educator, thanks to a partnership between local churches and two international Christian charities, ACET and Oasis Esteem.

Jayne explained her role.

I divide my time between delivering sex and relationship education in local secondary schools and training and encouraging local Christian youth workers to help young people in and outside of church to understand the issues and guard young people against the risks of infection. This involves looking at sex and relationships in a holistic way (spiritually, emotionally and physically).We look at decision making skills and aim to equip them to deal with real life situations where they may feel under pressure to make unhealthy decisions for themselves.”

Greg Condon, youth worker at St Michael’s in Chester, is one of those who Jayne has trained.  He told us.

“Not only has the training, through an Oasis course, opened my eyes to the role the church can play in equpping young people to make healthy sexual choices, but it has also inspired and equipped me to take the message out to local schools with which I have contact.”

Greg is now working regularly in local schools, teaching young people, about sex, relationships and safe choices.  He continued,

“Young people respond very positively, both to the work we do with them and the fact that the church has a positive message to give in this area where so many people find it hard to speak out.”

ACET has funded this work as part of its global commitment to the fight against HIV and AIDS.  Peter Fabian, the organisation’s Chief Executive, who also lives in Chester, explained the charities ethos.

“We believe passionately that HIV and AIDS can be beaten.  We offer training to church leaders, education to young people and care for those affected by AIDS in 23 countries throughout the world.  Through Jayne’s work, we are empowering the local church to a compassionate response to this pandemic, which is our approach in all of the 23 countries where we work.