A video for anyone who wants to better understand the failures of prohibition and learn more about alternatives that have proven to be more cost-effective, safe, and humane. Brought to you by the International Centre for Science in Drug … Continue reading Science shows that the war on drugs does not work
The Northern Ireland gay blood ban looks set to continue with the news from the DUP’s health minister, Edwin Poots MLA, that he has received some new research strengthening his position. As reported on the BBC, the minister says he … Continue reading Continuing NI gay blood ban continues the prejudice
From the simple reading of a book as light relief to his law course, Michael’s thoughts turn to the creation of a lasting memorial to those who have lived (and are living) with HIV in Northern Ireland. Continue reading from a secret edge to a memorial for living…
The most unnecessarily underinsured group in the UK is the HIV community, according to specialist advisers Unusual Risks. Research by the advisers through the Terence Higgins Trust, estimates that 82% of HIV positive people in the UK have no Life … Continue reading HIV community is untapped protection market – Unusual Risks – COVER Magazine – Protection and health insurance industry news, commentary and analysis
The Tyddyn Bach Trust respite centre in Penmaenmawr in Wales which has provided much-needed respite care for over 2,000 individuals and families affected by HIV since 1997 closed its doors. As a former trustee of Northern Ireland’s leading HIV charity, The HIV Support Centre, I have some idea of how difficult it can be to get funding from health authorities and others to support your work. The MP for Aberconwy, Guto Bebb, said that it was a tragedy the centre had to close. He suggested that the closure is an unintended result of devolution within the United Kingdom. Clients coming … Continue reading HIV Charity closure seems to be result of devolution
I was interested to notice that cancer patients in Northern Ireland are among those benefiting from a payment from the Northern Ireland Executive of a one-off winter fuel payment. Apparently this is because their immune systems are somewhat suppressed and they need to stay warm. £5000 is not much in the overall budget of the Northern Ireland Executive. At least you would not think that it is. Yet this relatively small amount of money is all that it would take to extend the payment of the winter fuel payment to one group of people who could really benefit from it. … Continue reading Is the Executive so tight that they cannot find £5000?
How many people are living with HIV in Northern Ireland? It seems that that question brings different answers from different organisations. The latest figures from the Public Health Agency stated There are now 474 people living with HIV infection in Northern Ireland. However, Rob Anderson, Chairman of The HIV Support Centre said: In Northern Ireland there are approximately 1000 people living with HIV in Northern Ireland however it is estimated that this could be as high as 1250. It would be interesting to know what the true figure is. With a little bit of curiosity I found the following information… … Continue reading Crosspost: #HIV statistics pose more questions…
I know that it is vital for everyone in Northern Ireland to be educated about HIV. It is a virus that affects us all here. With the figures released today by the Public Health Agency showing a 20% increase on diagnoses it is clear that the health minister and health department need to do more to ensure that we get to Zero New Diagnoses. Those of us who are living in Northern Ireland with HIV have a strong support from The HIV Support Centre. I can truly say that without the support that I have received there, I would not … Continue reading Getting to Zero on World AIDS Day
Sitting at the bar in a public house is a rare treat for me nowadays as it is not often that I get the chance to drink alcohol. In the past, I would have been out every night, but since spending most of my time with Andrew, this does not happen frequently. It is not that I don’t drink, simply that it is better if I do not do so as heavily as once I did. Last night, therefore, was most pleasant as I was sat in the Barley Mow public house in Bedford with a friend. All was well, after … Continue reading publicans should take care to provide auxiliary aids for the disabled
Once again it seems that Northern Ireland is going to be left behind by a Minister who has delayed policies in the past in another department. Today Edwin Poots MLA, our Health Minister informed the Health Committee in the Assembly that the lifetime ban on gay men donating blood was not going to be lifted, unlike what is happening in the rest of the United Kingdom. It is clear that the Minister is not really taking the same advice as his counterparts across the water. A number of organisations and political parties have been making comments. Are we expected to be self-sufficient … Continue reading Another policy, another delay: Poots does it again
Gyronny Herald 