Saturday, November 29, 2008
Brighton Greens call for Tory controlled Council to support HIV/Aids organisations
Greens in Brighton and Hove are calling on the Tory controlled council to continue supporting local voluntary organisations working with people living with HIV/Aids, in the face of rising rates of infection and limited funding for care services locally some of who are are experiencing financial difficulties.
September saw the closure of Open Door, an HIV charity based in Kemp Town providing a wide range of services in a supportive and confidential environment.? ? ?
Cllr Bill Randall, the Greens LGBT spokesperson has put the issue on the agenda of the next full meeting of Brighton & Hove City Council (December 4) to mark World AIDS Day (December 1).
He said,
“Last year saw a staggering 16 per cent increase in the number of Brighton & Hove residents accessing NHS services for HIV/Aids – a far higher increase than the national average.
September saw the closure of Open Door, an HIV charity based in Kemp Town providing a wide range of services in a supportive and confidential environment.? ? ?
Cllr Bill Randall, the Greens LGBT spokesperson has put the issue on the agenda of the next full meeting of Brighton & Hove City Council (December 4) to mark World AIDS Day (December 1).He said,
“Last year saw a staggering 16 per cent increase in the number of Brighton & Hove residents accessing NHS services for HIV/Aids – a far higher increase than the national average.
“In recent years, government cuts have slashed funding for many essential HIV/Aids services. While some of the cuts have been restored, funding problems pose a serious threat to the welfare of those with HIV/Aids in Brighton and Hove, as care services are slowly eroded.
“It’s not just rising rates of infection that make the support services offered by voluntary organisations so crucial. Many people living with HIV/Aids are now living for longer, and may also face other health problems.
“It’s more important than ever to ensure the right services are easily available for those that need them."
Sue Peters, Regional Manager for the Terrence Higgins Trust, said,
“It’s not just rising rates of infection that make the support services offered by voluntary organisations so crucial. Many people living with HIV/Aids are now living for longer, and may also face other health problems.
“It’s more important than ever to ensure the right services are easily available for those that need them."
Sue Peters, Regional Manager for the Terrence Higgins Trust, said,
“We urge the council to ensure adequate levels of funding are maintained for us to be able to continue our work, both in providing support for those living with HIV and to help prevent even more people becoming infected."
