Service users and health and social care professionals attended the Open Day. Nicola Perry from Community Response and Olivia Carr from the BBVF welcomed everyone. Dr Shay Keating from the Drug Treatment Centre Board at Trinity Court applauded the positive work of Community Response and other voluntary agencies over the last 10 years in raising awareness about hepatitis C. Attention was drawn to the fact that almost 20,000 Irish people could be infected with hepatitis C, and most do not know that they are infected. Information on the symptoms of hepatitis C, its routes of transmission, and testing and treatment procedures was provided using educational posters, leaflets and interactive activities.

 

Two short films, Hidden I and Hidden II, were shown. Both were produced by Community Response Drama Group and developed through improvisation and role play. Hidden I is an educational drama about drug use, pregnancy and hepatitis C, while Hidden II continues the story and educates the viewer about testing and treatment for hepatitis C.

 

A new hepatitis C awareness board game, called Hidden, and DVD were launched at the event. The board game can be played by up to 10 people and requires players to answer a possible 29 questions about hepatitis C. The questions are divided into three topics:

·       Basic information

·       Testing, treatment, sex and pregnancy

·       Social, health promotion and support.

There were opportunities for people to play the board game on the day and to test their knowledge of hepatitis C.

 

Dáire Ryan of Roche Products Ireland launched postcards which provided information on the risk factors for hepatitis C infection. The postcards are soon to be available in cafés nationwide. Antonia Leslie, journalist from the Sunday Independent, supported the event and presented members of Ban Óg in Tallaght and Youthreach on Pleasants Street with certificates for having completed a four-week health promotion course on HIV and hepatitis awareness.

 

 

For further information on hepatitis C please contact 01 - 473 6615 or visit www.hepinfo.ie.