Children Plus charity foundation
"Trampoline" mentoring for teenagers with HIV
CSS contribution, rubles
Total budget, rubles
Implementation period, months
Project idea
The Trampoline project is an initiative focused on supporting adolescents living with HIV. Its primary tool is mentorship, which helps young people manage the challenges associated with their condition and improves their adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The project, which has been running for four years, sets itself apart from other mentorship programs by aiming to foster consistent ART use, preventing the development of AIDS and reducing the risk of HIV transmission to zero.
The goal of the project is to enhance the quality of life for HIV-positive adolescents by offering them guidance and mentorship. This support includes educating them about HIV, assisting in overcoming stigma and misinformation, and providing help with medical care and access to medication. Additionally, the project seeks to create a nurturing environment that encourages regular ART use and visits to AIDS prevention centers.
To achieve these objectives, the Trampoline project utilizes a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Creating a unique mentoring methodology that includes selecting and training mentors, matching them with adolescents in need of support, and supporting mentor-adolescent pairs.
- Funding and methodological support of the project by the foundation, training of curators and psychologists, and maintaining ongoing communication with state institutions.
- A therapy adherence program that engages adolescents aged 17-19 years who have difficulty accepting ART. The program includes regular trips to the AIDS prevention center (an average of 10 times a year) for tests and medications.
- Motivational measures, such as adolescents receiving gift cards worth 500 rubles for each visit to the center, provided their viral load is suppressed. This serves as a motivator for consistent therapy adherence.
The project is successfully ongoing in the Moscow region since 2017, St. Petersburg since 2019, and the Novosibirsk and Samara regions since 2020. Plans are underway to expand the program to the Republic of Bashkortostan and Yekaterinburg, areas with high HIV prevalence.
Relevance
The Trampoline Project plays a crucial role in supporting HIV-positive adolescents in Russia. There are approximately 11,000 children living with HIV in the country, many of whom face challenging life circumstances: some are orphans, others are raised by relatives, foster families, or in single-parent households. These adolescents often struggle with low adherence to therapy, which increases the risk of spreading HIV among youth.
Mentorship within the Trampoline Project provides these teenagers not only with information about HIV and assistance in accepting their diagnosis but also helps them with social adaptation and psychological rehabilitation. Research shows that having a mentor significantly improves adherence to treatment and regular medical visits, both of which are critical for managing HIV and preventing its spread.
The project’s social significance also lies in offering adolescents the opportunity to connect with adults who can serve as role models and provide support during difficult times. This is particularly important for children who face stigma and discrimination due to their HIV status. Through mentorship, the project helps these teenagers develop self-management skills and a responsible approach to their health, ultimately supporting their successful socialization and integration into society.
Supporting this project is vital because it directly impacts the quality and longevity of these adolescents’ lives. In regions hardest hit by HIV, such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk, the Trampoline Project provides crucial resources and support, enabling adolescents to lead fulfilling lives despite their diagnosis. Expanding the project to other regions can bring similar benefits and opportunities for a better future to even more HIV-positive adolescents.
Overall, the Trampoline Project is a key tool in Russia’s fight against HIV, offering essential support and resources to a vulnerable population in need of care and attention. The project promotes a society in which everyone, regardless of their health, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the common good. Continued support and development of initiatives like this are critical for improving the lives of people with HIV and reducing the stigma surrounding the disease.
Social effect
HIV prevention among adolescents through participation in the mentoring program
KPI
KPI
Project Results
The Trampoline Project is demonstrating impressive results in supporting adolescents living with HIV. Throughout the project’s implementation, over 360 individuals expressed interest in becoming volunteer mentors across six regions. Specialized training, conducted by supervisors and psychologists with the involvement of lawyers, counselors, and infectious disease specialists, was successfully completed by 105 candidates.
Currently, 120 teenagers have been matched with personal mentors, and 94 teen-mentor pairs remain active. Although 16 teens exited the program, more than 1,350 individual, twice-monthly meetings took place during the reporting period. Additionally, 193 group supervision sessions were conducted, accompanied by supplementary mentor training.
As part of the project, 90 adolescents underwent social skills assessments, which helped identify their individual training and support needs. Regular evaluations of HIV knowledge and social skills are conducted every six months, enabling the program to be tailored to participants’ specific needs.
Key changes observed through these assessments include increased communication among adolescents about HIV, improved understanding and management of HIV and ART, and better attitudes toward their condition. The teens have enhanced their communication skills, developed responsible social behavior, and found trusted, supportive adult figures in their mentors.
To foster relationships between mentors and teens and broaden their experiences, 21 group activities were organized, including excursions, cooking workshops, and trips to recreational centers.
Overall, the Trampoline Project has played a crucial role in improving the quality of life for adolescents living with HIV, providing them with essential support and resources to help them develop their personal potential and social skills.
Project progress after CSS funding
After the current funding period ends, the Trampoline Project will continue to receive financial support from organizations such as Johnson & Johnson LLC and GlaxoSmithKline Trading, and will also participate in the grant competition from the Absolute-Help Foundation.
