Watch: New BSL short film from SignHealth, showing importance of HIV testing

A new short film has been released by Deaf charity SignHealth, showing the importance of HIV testing.

The film, which was written and directed by this site’s Editor, Charlie Swinbourne, and stars Deaf actors Daryl Jackson, Nadeem Islam and Mia Ward, tells the story of a young couple very much in love, but with decisions to make.

From the charity’s website:

‘The Test’ was commissioned by SignHealth as part of its recent work on HIV, funded by Public Health England. This included running workshops with Deaf young people.

Marie Vickers, who was involved with the programme, said: “In schools we met Deaf children who didn’t understand the basics of consent and safe relationships.  One girl said she didn’t realise she could say no. So, we had to go back to basics before we could even introduce the topic of HIV.”

The film was scripted, directed and produced by Charlie Swinbourne from Eyewitness Media. Asked why he was keen to be involved, Charlie said:

“Sexual health awareness among young deaf people is a subject I’ve written about before, and feel really strongly about, so I was was honoured to be commissioned to make this short film. The aim is to put across vital information and send out a strong message in BSL through the three characters seen on screen. I’m very thankful for the hard work of the three actors in portraying a sensitive subject, and I hope the film will have a strong impact and potentially change outcomes in young deaf people’s lives.”

Watch the short film on the SignHealth website by clicking here.