If you are living with HIV and would like to share your story for use in the training package, please click here.
A peer-informed stigma-awareness training programme from REVOLUTION at Renaissance UK
For organisations ready to challenge HIV stigma and lead meaningful change
Are you committed to creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels safe, respected and valued?
Beyond the Label is an interactive training session designed to raise awareness of HIV-related stigma, explore its real-world impacts, and equip teams with the confidence and tools to challenge it effectively.
Developed as part of Renaissance UK’s REVOLUTION project, this session combines expert facilitation with the powerful, authentic voices of people living with HIV, whose stories are shared (with consent) to bring the topic to life. The training is ideal for professionals, teams, and services who want to better understand stigma and be part of the solution.
Why HIV stigma still matters
Despite huge advances in HIV prevention, treatment, and public understanding, stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to testing, diagnosis, care, and support. It leads to:
- Delayed testing and treatment
- Poor mental health and isolation
- Discrimination in healthcare, workplaces, and services
- A lack of open, informed conversations about HIV
Too often, stigma shows up in subtle ways — through assumptions, outdated language, or institutional silence. This training is designed to help organisations recognise those moments and respond with knowledge, empathy and intention.
What the training includes
Through a mix of real-life narratives, group discussion, and engaging activities, participants will explore:
- What HIV stigma looks like today: from overt discrimination to unconscious bias
- The power of language and representation
- Common myths and misconceptions about HIV
- How stigma affects individuals — and what it costs society
- Practical tools to challenge stigma in the workplace, in services, and in daily life
Who is this for?
This training is suitable for anyone who wants to be part of tackling stigma and improving inclusion — especially:
- Workplaces and corporate teams looking to strengthen their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy
- Healthcare providers seeking to improve patient experience and reduce barriers to care
- Public sector and local authority teams delivering frontline services
- Charities, NGOs and community groups
- Education settings, including colleges and youth organisations
Sessions are tailored to your context and needs — whether that’s a one-off workshop, part of a wider wellbeing week, or a deeper contribution to organisational culture change.
Format & delivery
We offer flexible delivery options to suit your organisation:
- This training package takes around 2 and a half hours
- Shortened sessions available upon request
- Can be delivered either in-person or online (through Microsoft Teams, Zoom etc.)
- Ideal for staff development days, induction programmes, and awareness campaigns
- Interactive, discussion-led format with group exercises
- Suitable for small teams or larger audiences
All sessions are designed to be inclusive, accessible, and judgment-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need any prior knowledge of HIV?
Not at all. The session is designed to be accessible for everyone, whether you’re completely new to the topic or already engaged with EDI or public health work.
Will the session include personal disclosures or live testimony?
The session includes carefully curated stories from people living with HIV, shared via video, audio, and written narrative — always with consent.
Can we run this as part of a wider inclusion strategy?
Absolutely. We’re happy to work with you to align the training with your EDI goals or integrate it into a broader programme.
Do participants receive any materials or follow-up?
Yes — all attendees receive a digital toolkit of resources, signposting links, and practical tips for challenging stigma after the session.
Want to find out more?
Reach out to Mike, our Training and Awareness Lead, with any questions.
Call 07947 358038 or Email mdowney@ren-uk.com
Ready to book?
Either reach out to Mike directly using the information above, or fill out the form below and we will be in touch.
We are looking forward to working with you!
