Cllr Bill Randall

Cllr Bill Randall, Green Group Convenor, has said that a review of support services for older people living with HIV/Aids in Brighton and Hove is urgently needed.

Cllr Randall said:
“HIV is no longer seen as a death sentence in the UK. It has become a long-term condition for most people who are diagnosed early and receive good treatment and on-going monitoring.

“As a result about 15 per cent of people accessing HIV services in the UK are aged 50 or over, and this percentage is likely to increase. Future services will need to contend with complex issues associated with an ageing population, the long-term effects of HIV treatment and housing and long-term care.

“These are all pressing issues for Brighton and Hove, which could be home to as many as 2,500 older people living with HIV/Aids, many of whom lead isolated lives. Small, voluntary groups carry out much of the support work forthis group. They include like the Gay Elderly Men’s Society, which runs a befriending scheme and other services and organises social events, and Lunch Positive, which provides lunch for about 40 people every Friday.

“Their work and that of the Terrence Higgins Trust and others is vital to wellbeing of this growing group of people. But they could do with more funding, and a review of all services provided by the council, the PCT and voluntary organisations could help ensure that the most is made of limited resources.

“In addition, it is absolutely vital that the ring- fenced AIDS Support Grant (ASG), which has only one year left to run, should be maintained to ensure the development of appropriate services that reflect the growing and often complex social needs of people with HIV. All parties contesting the next general election should commit continuing this funding.”

For more information about the Greens view: www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk