“A couple of months before my Grandma Lois’s 80th birthday, she decided to visit her (in my mind) favourite granddaughter in South America and together we planned to go to the Amazon Rainforest. As our trip would involve adventure travel in areas of high malaria, yellow fever and dengue prevalence, Grandma Lois decided to go to her local travel clinic in conservative Salt Lake City, Utah to get a full travel health check.

Little did Grandma know, as she showed up for her travel health appointment (her toy poodle Dwina sleeping comfortably in her handbag), just how thorough her travel health appointment would be.

The travel health nurse asked Grandma Lois the usual questions: “where are you going?” “how long will you be gone?” and “do you have any pre-existing health conditions?”. Then, after explaining how malaria medication works and giving my grandmother the usual travel jabs, she sat down at her desk and said, “I need to have a very serious conversation with you about sexual health and the risks to an older woman of having unprotected sex while travelling.”

The travel health nurse then proceeded to give my 80-year old Grandma a full health teaching session in which she covered the risks associated with unprotected sex and the importance of condom use. At the end of her health-teaching session, the travel nurse offered my grandmother an HIV test.

I would be lying to say that Grandma Lois was anything less than taken aback by the travel nurse’s frank questioning. In fact, initially she was downright offended. But the more Grandma Lois thought about it and the more she was forced to talk about it with her giggling grandchild (me), the more she realized that the nurse had not only done her job, she had done her job in such a thorough, professional, selfless way that it could have saved her life, had my Grandmother had any inclination towards broadening the “adventure” in her adventure travel.

People over the age of 50 represent one of the fastest growing populations in terms of sexual health risk, and this travel nurse (clearly aware of the risks for this population) had taken the time to actually provide meaningful information so that my grandmother wouldn’t become part of the statistics. Yes, Grandma Lois was a little uncomfortable with the conversation, but some of the most important conversations in life are uncomfortable.

Since starting work at Body & Soul in September 2010, I’ve thought a lot about my grandmother’s experience. In the UK, GPs are the people who deliver primary health services. In this role, they should be able to confidently provide their patients with a thorough health screen, including a sexual health screen, and should conduct this screen regardless of their personal views or preconceptions on their patients’ behaviours.

Thorough screening and early intervention correlates with positive health outcomes in pretty much all health conditions. For example, early detection of common conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cancer can allow for quicker treatment, better prognosis, and (in the case of many chronic diseases) behaviour modifications that can mitigate the impact of the condition or even address it entirely. While there is no cure for HIV, early diagnosis has multiple benefits to a person’s wellbeing.

According to the UK’s Health Protection Agency, over half of people diagnosed HIV positive in the UK are diagnosed at a late stage of infection and over a quarter are diagnosed when already severely immunocompromised. When a person is diagnosed late, it means that it will be more difficult and more costly for them to return to normal immune function.

With early diagnosis, a person is more likely to have appropriate treatment, less damage to their immune system, and less chance of progressing to the point where he or she is vulnerable to opportunistic infections. A person who is living with HIV but has not yet been diagnosed HIV positive is quadruple as likely to transmit HIV to a sexual partner, therefore having clear public health implications. A third of all deaths related to HIV occur because of late diagnosis.

I shared my wonderful Grandma’s story with you today because there are some clear messages. I truly believe that if all clinicians were as informed as my grandmother’s travel health nurse and as willing to step outside of their personal comfort zones for the sake of their patients, then fewer people would be diagnosed HIV positive late, thus reducing the number of HIV transmissions and deaths due to complications of HIV.

My advice to them: be the person who is willing to ask the important questions.”

The lamp continues to illuminate my room as the rest of the world around me slowly sinks into darkness. It’s late Monday evening, and for the umpteenth time I review the plan for the Tuesday Adult Group to make sure that I have it all memorised and nailed to the dot. No amount of Sleepytime tea (and I have drunk quite a lot) is enough to calm the butterflies in my tummy when I think about tomorrow.

Today marks my first week of employment as the Head of Adult Programmes at Body & Soul, and tomorrow is the first service evening I will be coordinating as part of my new role. In spite of nearly 3 years of volunteering with the charity, I’m feeling incredibly nervous.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed the high quality of programmes consistently on offer to all of our members – from our littlest members all the way to our senior souls. As I learn more and more about the inner workings of the organisation over the past few days, I stand in awe of all the dedication, commitment and sheer hard work that happens “behind the scenes” and makes Body & Soul into what it is.

Will I have what it takes to fill the shoes of those who have come before me? Will I be able to continue taking the adult programme from strength to strength?

My thoughts turn to our members, some of whom have been accessing the service for the 16 years it has been in existence – relying on it for a weekly dose of care, support and fun; turning to it during times of crisis and bereavement. Will I be able to ensure the high quality of service our members so deserve? What if they won’t like me? What if it all turns out to be a disaster? Will I be a complete disappointment to all those who believed in me? My worries continue to spiral out of control…

And yet I come back to reflect on the faces of some of the members I’ve come to know over the past few years, and I can feel my heart softening. Suddenly, I feel a shift of perspective. It’s as though a voice gently, playfully whispered in my ear: “It’s not about you, silly… it’s about them!” Getting caught up in my anxieties of being “good enough” and being able to do the job well, I’ve tangled myself in very me-based thinking that ultimately loses sight of the very goal I’m trying to accomplish – serving our members to the very best of my abilities. Rather than focusing on my own self-doubts and inadequacies, I start to reflect on my deepening relationships with members, volunteers and staff; my passion for social justice; and my love for the organisation and everything* that it stands for. I feel my gnawing insecurity slowly melt away, becoming replaced by a strong sense of purpose and commitment. I feel determined to make the service the best it can be, because our members deserve nothing but the best!

I’m reminded of the word of a wise teacher, who seemed to hit this particular nail on the head when she wrote:

“If you have no idea why you are here, if you are confused, you won’t feel fulfilled. We all have a purpose. Ask what it is you are supposed to do. If you serve, you don’t have to worry and you’ll always be taken care of. You can do yourself in worrying about yourself… but look outside yourself! There’s so much work to be done.”

And with these words, I save the document, shut down the computer and turn off the light… it’s time to go to bed. After all, tomorrow is a big day. There’s so much work to be done!

* respect, dignity, human rights, care, support, myth-busting, courage, inspiration, optimism, innovation, evidence-based programming, member-driven services, holistic approach, galvanising volunteer power, hope, resilience, love – to name but a few of the things that B&S stands for.

Last year, Teen Spirit talked to CBBC Newsround presenter Seema Pathan. Here, she talks about the importance of education and understanding difference .

Can you remember or is it a distant, blurry memory?

A whole month into 2012 and your shiny new trainers are still in their box; the kitchen cupboard is still full of chocolaty treats. We all make them, and yes, we all break them. But, this is no ‘ordinary’ year, it’s Olympic year and time to set yourself a challenge.

The nights are gradually getting shorter (if not a little warmer) and winter is nearly over, so put a spring in your step and have a go at something new. And why not tick that ‘doing good’ box on your way?

Body & Soul has signed up for two exciting events in the summer and is searching for some active souls to take up the challenge. You missed out on those Olympic tickets you desperately wanted, so why not go one better, and run the marathon route for yourself. Well, not quite 26.5 miles but how about 10K?

The British London 10K run is taking place on July 15th 2012 and crosses paths with the official Marathon route the big stars will be racing in June. This is a great ‘starter’ race for you newbies or a fantastic ‘jog in the park’ for the more experienced runner. Last year’s run was a record-breaking one for us and in 2012 we want to go one better. Whatever your level, I can guarantee it’s a fun filled morning of feeling good and raising important funds for Body & Soul.

If running isn’t quite for you, for the first time ever, we also have places for Nightrider on June 9th 2012, London’s most unique cycling experience. Forget the Velodrome, instead, how about a midnight, moonlit cycle past London’s most iconic landmarks.

For once, you won’t have to fight the City traffic but can enjoy our sprawling city from the comfort of your two wheels. Most questions you might have about the ride will be answered in this document or you can get in touch with Katherine at the address below and we can help you too. Sign up here to get the wheels in motion!

A challenge shared, is a challenge halved so get your friends, family and colleagues to commit to taking on your new resolution too. Last year was a record breaking year for community fundraising, so we set you the challenge to do even better.

If you would like some further information about either of these events, or other community fundraising opportunities, please contact katherine@bodyandsoulcharity.org

“Look, right, I’m a fairy and me ‘n’ my angries are stomping on the flowers.”

Picture the scene – Dereje (not his real name) is 7 and is proudly wearing fairy wings whilst brandishing a feather boa as he stamps around the room.

It’s 6:15 on a Tuesday night and it’s circle time for the 6-9 year olds in the Children’s centre. This is the time in the evening when we encourage the children to express their worries, feelings and opinions on issues directly affecting them. We work with them to teach them ways of coping with times when those feelings and situations feel overwhelming. Each week we take a different theme and this week we are thinking about being angry.

At the moment we’re in the middle of a visualisation exercise aimed at helping the children be aware of and safely manage their angry feelings. I’ve asked them to imagine a place they can go to when they’re angry. In this place they feel safe and happy and can bring out any angry feelings to make friends with them. They’ve pictured their angry feelings as ‘wild things’ like those in the popular children’s book ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak and are now in the middle of acting out the ‘wild rumpus’ where they take control of their anger rather than feeling it is in control of them.

It’s been an emotionally charged session as the children have opened up about the difficulties they’re facing. The list ranges from bullying at school to parents who are in hospital. The common theme is a feeling of helplessness that’s leading to anger. There’s a palpable sense of tension in the air as the children relive and revive their angry memories. Dereje has found it particularly hard and has become tense and a little withdrawn.

So, let’s get back to Dereje and his ‘angries’. He’s the last of the group to show what he has imagined and has been waiting with barely contained patience. Now he has a look of fierce determination on his face and is so completely caught up in his twirling and stamping his tongue has started to poke out in the way that happens with children when they concentrate. He gives a snarl and with a final flourish of the feather boa turns triumphantly to face his admiring audience.

There’s a moment of astounded silence, then one of the children starts getting a fit of the giggles and soon everyone, including Dereje and myself are laughing so hard we can barely speak. The laughter slowly gives way to rapturous applause for an Oscar winning performance. Dereje seems to grow 6 feet and takes a bow before re-arranging his fairy wings so he can sit down. The tension of the evening has been melted away by the laughter.

We finish with a question. “Have you learnt anything tonight that you are going to try and use?” The response from one of the girls is instant “I’m going to use Dereje’s angry picture. It made me laugh so much, that will always get my angries out.” The others voice their enthusiastic agreement. “Yeah, laughing the angries out. That’s the best way.”

Thanks to memories of a certain pink feather boa I’m still laughing now.

In the grand, extravagant setting that is the ITV News studios, the newly elected board came together in an executive conference room to begin planning how we were going to improve and make a positive difference in the lives of other young people affected by HIV in the UK.

This brand new team of bright individuals consists of 9 elected young people. Being the first board of this kind in the UK (we’re elected by Teen Spirit members, who have decided the people that they want to be represented by) we’re gearing up for a year of amazing new ideas and initiatives all aimed at helping create a positive and empowered future for young people faced the difficulties of living with HIV.

Our roles will see us taking care of Teen Spirit internally, and representing them externally. So, no pressure guys ;-)

We don’t want to give away too much in this very first blog but judging from all the exciting things discussed in this meeting, 2012 is going to be a massive year for Teen Spirit, Body & Soul, the amazing Life in my Shoes Campaign and all the members of the Board.

Make sure you keep checking back for regular news and updates as the Board of Directors take over the Teen Spirit blog!

This is the Teen Spirit Board of Directors reporting from ITV Studios London.

Chicken shop! Chicken shop, chicken shop! In the TRIBE workshop, the teens and volunteers are trying to outline all the things that make up a community – what people, places and organisations make up the place we live in? We’re all brainstorming – churches, hospitals, policemen, teachers, friends, the Doctor’s, celebrities, our local MP… And the chicken shop!

“We go there all the time. It’s where I meet my mates. I chat a lot to the guy behind the counter; he knows my order before I even tell him!” It’s clear then, that the chicken shop really is an important, valuable part of these communities. When all these ideas have been jotted down on coloured post-it notes, three posters are created – one apiece for People, Places and Organisations. From a slow start, they’re now packed with bright coloured scraps of all the bits and pieces that make the area we come from our community, our home.

Next, the teens are asked to join the people, places and organisations together with lengths of string to show how they are linked to each other. Teacher joined with school, family joined with church and so on… A nice moment came when one teen connected the organisation ‘Body & Soul’ up with a pink post-it that said ‘my best friend’ – showing how Body & Soul is creating its own unique community.

A conversation started up about the nature of the police – are they a positive or a negative effect on our community? Lots of interesting comments resulted in the group’s organisers promising to invite some local police to visit Body & Soul, to link directly with members of Teen Spirit, to share ideas and views, and perhaps help build some bridges. The talk soon turned to gangs – what can we do as individuals, or as a group, to help protect our communities from the harms that gangs can cause? Lots of ideas soon came forward about how we can counter fear and negativity by acting positively and being a good role model – by showing how things can be different.

What started as excited chatter about chicken shops has, in no time, turned into the real sharing of ideas and enthusiasm around the positive notion of ‘community’. It’s all part of TRIBE’s quest to create mini ‘tribes’ that contribute to social change in areas. By the end of this project, the Teen Spirit tribe will have created a multimedia ‘time capsule’, which celebrates the elements of their community that they’re proud of and investigates areas for possible change.

It’s all about building social awareness in young people, as well as giving them vital skills that could help with further education or employment.

Find out more at www.allthetribes.co.uk. And look out for an update on the B&S TRIBE’s time capsule – coming soon.

Here at Body & Soul we want our all of events to have the same impact. We want them to all to feel special. We want our members to feel valued. We want to go the extra mile. But how do you achieve awe-inspiring wonder without forking out for 12,000 fireworks?

With a small staff team this isn’t something we can do on our own. Fortunately, we have the support of some fantastic organisations who volunteer their time to help us create spectacular backdrops, scenery and decorations. Thanks to them, our building was completely transformed for the end-of-year celebrations and the atmosphere it created was electric.

Bloomberg transformed the children’s centre into the world of Shrek. The addition of fallen leaves meant that it even smelled like a swamp… and it wasn’t just the children who loved it – before they even arrived I spotted grown adults sneaking in to hang out in Shrek’s cabin.

They also made a fireplace for the top floor complete with stockings. During the end-of-year parties our members wrote their wishes and resolutions for 2012 and posted them into the stockings.

The Body Shop volunteered during the adult’s party offering makeovers, mini-makeovers, and some much-needed relaxation. Meanwhile, Northern Trust created a magical woodland ‘ice rink’ in the basement…and Standard Chartered created a ‘Fire & Ice’ extravaganza for the teen party…

The entire building was transformed on a minimal budget, but it all looked and felt amazing. We are hugely grateful to all the companies that donated their time and skills. Everything was done carefully, thoughtfully, and with love. Which only goes to prove that you don’t need 12,000 fireworks to make an event go with a bang.

Get in touch if you want to sign your company up for some volunteering. We look forward to hearing from you. And you’ll be in good company.

We like to think the Teen Spirit blog is as varied as possible, with information and news about Teen Spirit, as well as any fun, inspiring or uplifting articles. We also want the blog to be a place where you can have your say.

For the first blog of 2012, we want you to have your say about what you want on your blog.

More music, photos and videos? More chances for you to get involved in contributing? Make the blog the way you want it in 2012. Have your say and help make the Teen Spirit blog your own. Take a look at the wordle of last year’s blogs for inspiration. Give us your suggestions below and we’ll get to work! x

As you may know, we hire our beautiful building out for meetings, conferences, away days and shoots. What you might not know if why doing so benefits you and your colleagues as well as us…

1. Doing Good.
These days, companies want to be seen to be doing as much as possible in their communities and for charity. Body & Soul might not look like a charity once you’re inside the building, but we are one, and every time you use us, we plough any profit back into our charitable activities. Put it this way – if you’re going to be paying to hire space for your event whereve you choose to have it, isn’t it better knowing that your money is going to a good cause?

2. Be Inspired.
Body & Soul has been written about as a beacon of creativity and design. Our rooms are light and airy, with splashes of colour – we can give you beanbags for brainstorming, sofas for slouching, cabaret-style tables for informal group work or anything else you want. We pride ourselves on customising the space you hire for your event. However formal or official your event, we find that people appreciate the little touches that we pride ourselves on.

3. Be Treated.
Sometimes we all need a little pick me up. Whether it’s fresh coffee roasted and ground just down the street, a mid-afternoon chocolate fix or a hand-made luxury cupcake, we’ll always make sure there are little treats around for the duration of your event.

4. Ask for Extras.
We plan everything in advance, and with more than 2,500 people attending events at Body & Soul last year, we think we’re pretty good at pulling it off seamlessly. With a little notice, we can provide all the added extras you need – from the basics like AV equipment and stationary, to an interactive tour of the building, from a unique break out space in our sensory room or games room, to a quiet thinking space in our library, we want to ensure your event is memorable, productive and unique.

5. Leave Happy.
“I came to an event at Body & Soul a few weeks ago and as soon as I walked in I was overpowered by how kind everyone was. You couldn’t do enough for us”.
At Body & Soul we’re very passionate about where we work and every aspect of what we do. We hope this is reflected in your experience of our organisation, and we genuinely find that after a day in our welcoming space, after a few sweet treats and a walk around the building, visitors leave with smiles on their faces.

Get in touch with Polly on 0207 923 6880 or fill in the online form and we’ll get back to you straight away.