Sussex Beacon joins other HIV organisations to support the Stop HIV Cuts Campaign launched on February 25, 2016.
The campaign highlights and opposes funding cuts being levied on HIV support services by local Authorities following National Government funding cuts.
Along with nearly 30 HIV organisations The Beacon have signed a letter that has been sent to The Secretary of State for Health the Right Honourable Jeremy Hunt MP. The letter shares the increasing concern of the trend by local authorities across England to decommission HIV support services.
Public Heath England’s Positive Voices survey found that over a third of people with HIV accessed HIV support services over a 12 month period. With over 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK, these support services are needed now more than ever.
However, 2015 has seen the start of a worrying trend of local authorities across England totally defunding HIV support services. In Oxfordshire, Bromley, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Slough, Bracknell Forest and Bexley, the local councils are set to discontinue these important services.
The Sussex Beacon charity offers specialist care and support for people living with HIV. Based in Brighton, which has the highest proportion of people living with HIV outside of London, their centre is open 365 days a year. The charity helps people manage the everyday realities of living with this life-long condition that has no cure.
Simon Dowe CEO The Sussex Beacon, says: “We know only too well the effect that cuts to HIV services are having. Whilst I acknowledge the tough economic climate that we are living in, it is short-sighted not to consider the long-term impact of these cuts on the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV and those at risk of contracting HIV. We support people to live well with HIV through our vital specialist services. Without our services many people risk becoming unwell and ending up in hospital at a greater cost to the tax payer. Local authorities must consider the impact of these cuts on individual’s lives.”
For further information about the campaign, click here:
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