HIV is one of the most dreaded diseases for years. Many are too shy or too afraid to take a test due to potential ostracism. Thanks to Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), individuals with HIV find support and welcoming community. Unfortunately, according to reports, there is a proposed cut of support services that will likely affect the charity.
THT Concern Over Proposed Cuts To Counselling And Advice Services To HIV Individuals
GayTimes reported that THT is gravely concerned over the possibility of cuts to HIV services in London's worst affected areas, which includes Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham. THT disclosed that if the cuts go through about 900 individuals with HIV across the three boroughs who currently enjoy their services would be abandoned.
The said three boroughs have the highest rates of HIV, which makes the proposed cut alarming. In fact, Lambeth is the worst with eight times as many HIV individuals compared to the UK on average. Southwark comes second with 6.5 times as many and Lewisham within the top 10.
"We're deeply concerned about the potential impact of cuts to HIV services in these boroughs," said Ian Green, chief executive of Terrence Higgins Trust. "These services are a lifeline for hundreds of people living with HIV in South London, many of whom are facing immense financial and emotional hardship, and it is unclear where they will turn to after 1st October when these services could vanish."
Thomas Lange Petitions To Save The Services
In response to the proposed cut, Thomas Lange, 49, a member of the Brixton community has started a change.org petition to try and save the services, Brixton Blog reported. Per ITV, Lange appeared in the reality TV show "First Dates" where he shared that the trust saved his life when his HIV status led him to losing a home.
"Without the Terrence Higgins Trust's services in Lambeth, I genuinely don't think I'd be alive. I was lonely, suicidal and sleeping rough. They helped me access benefits so I could get out of homelessness, and my counsellor showed me a level of kindness and understanding that I'd not had since I was diagnosed with HIV aged eighteen," Lange wrote.
Lange explained that being inflicted with HIV is emotionally and physically troubling. He questioned the message that it sends to HIV individuals, which already suffered from stigma and apathy.
Do you agree with THT and Lange that the proposed cut of HIV services will not be helpful? If this proposal gets through, what are the potential solutions to still aid HIV inflicted individuals? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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