December 2011

Something has been on my mind now for a considerable time regarding our HIV community.

Here in the Brighton area apart from THT and the Beacons many new and well meaning community groups have sprung up recently.

Of course Lunch Positive has been running successfully for over 2years but others are now gathering momentum.

What concerns me is how those closest to us are supported.

Take my partner for example. He is over 10 years younger than me, fit and not HIV positive. Tony works hard for our community within various projects and is linked naturally with me. Who offers him support when he feels he has needs I am unable to meet or even wishes to discuss with me. True, there is a carers’ association but how can he express himself in the space available to him which is not specifically for those carers working with HIV?

These unseen heroes often are taken for granted by those they care for and the wider community.

The focus in terms of health and well being is to look at outcomes for those affected by HIV but what I am very aware of the distinct lack of a coordinated approach.

Quite rightly much attention is given to outreach work with young clubbers, saunas plus importantly education via positive voices in schools, work environments etc.

It is crucial that the network of service providers within the HIV world do not ignore the needs of people living long term with HIV and how needs change over the years whilst vitally not forgetting the carers, partners, friends and family.

I can with all honesty say that lunch positive take everyone into consideration with no expectations from those who attend .The food is good but importantly the atmosphere is everything.

As we are constantly made aware we now live in difficult times in terms of financial support so focusing on community involvement is surely what is needed for the future?

Think about whom you receive your support from in your local area?

How that is likely to change in the near future and crucially how much do you give back to the HIV community?
Many of my friends live around the country where support varies considerably. Some find the isolation and feelings of loneliness overwhelming.

In years to come I am pleased to say many will live long full lives because of improved medication but with that prospect come other issues which our community can confront.

If you have a desire to help in any way in terms of community support, socialising and networking then get in touch with your local HIV support network or THT to find out more.

Again my diary is a little later than I had hoped due to a host of good and not so good interruptions to every day life.

Our community group for men aged 45 and over living with HIV is becoming very active.

Events and socialisation are our primary areas of focus with a strong steering group of volunteers although more are always welcome with fresh ideas.

Events to receive much attention or over subscribed are the Film Club which meets every week to show a film in a safe and relaxed space. It is free of cost and infect one of our members has a place large enough to carry out functions.

The Bingo group is also popular! Large numbers of Google hits have recorded progress of the Bingo, quite a surprise with this one.

The outdoor positive group remain very popular making the most of our location here in Sussex. Walks are designed for those active and those less so, great for meeting and talking plus very healthy.

As we prepare for our first collaborative approach to an evening event which is a quiz in December all eyes of statutory and funding commissioners are on this event.

Health for me is pretty good although I have been referred to the ageing men’s clinic at my London hospital which is really not very encouraging, feels to me like a very impersonal space and poorly named. Aching bones despite physical activity is identifying similar signs to many long term survivors like me of varying ages. Perversely this is a comfort to understand it is not just me or localised.

My doggies are all fairly well although my little terrier Sidney was poisoned recently by a toxin of some kind on a country walk but now recovering well .The other terrier and retriever are fit and well if a little nervous of fireworks and here close to Lewes is somewhat challenging. As you readers may know Lewes is renowned worldwide for fireworks and rebellious behaviour around this time of year.

No real wintery nights as yet so the log pile remains in good form.

Confirmation that we are spending Christmas at a castle in West Wales today which is a wonderful venue for 10 friends. I wonder what the network of gay support is like there?!?

My diary for that time may well be very revealing and more interesting.

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