Hepatitis C films aim to remove stigma

A Glasgow drama group has gained support from Paul Brannigan (star of The Angels’ Share) for a set of films that highlights issues affecting people with Hepatitis C.

The North West Community Drama Group has been running since 2011, after senior addiction nurse Irene Hunter took a survey of patients. This revealed a worrying number who still felt stigmatised by a Hepatitis C diagnosis. Organisations who work with those at risk of the virus were approached, and service users were encouraged to join the group. The success of the project meant the group already has a string of plays under their belt, but now they have their sights set on film.

Brannigan, having grown up in poverty and surrounded by crime, gang violence and drugs, understands how labelling can isolate people. Labels such as drugs, alcohol and Hepatitis infection can all act as barriers and become the first thing people would associate with a person, he says.

“I think there needs to be more awareness about Hepatitis… There needs to be more education because otherwise people end up being labelled and that is not a nice thing to live with.”

All four films were premiered on the 6th of June at Glasgow Youth Theatre, and are now being distributed by the project’s partners: Hepatitis Scotland; Glasgow Addiction Services; and Waverley Care.

Better2Know offers Hepatitis C testing at all of its nationwide clinics across the UK. It is available on its own or as part of our platinum and early detection screens. Results are ready the same day as the sample is received in the laboratory.