Tag Archives: Conditions and Diseases

Neneh Cherry – I’ve Got You Under My Skin

Posted on March 11, 2013 by | Comments Off

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NATURALLY, music affects the body and mind in many wonderful ways. Music affects human thoughts, feelings and behaviors  Just its rhythm affects the body, making the pulse and respiration to flow in tune with the music’s beat or rhythm.  Music can relax or energise an individual, and affect some of  us deeply, in a personal way.

What is more, research has also shown that music has a profound effect on the human body and psyche. As a matter fact, there’s a growing field of health care known as music therapy, which uses music to heal.

As a resource which shares with you HIV and Sexual Health articles, it’s about time we started sharing HIV from other angles.

Introducing “Music Monday’s”!

Over the next few weeks on Monday nights, we’ll bring a featured HIV or sexual health awareness track from over the years and we’ll start it right now with Neneh Cherry!

In 1990 the Red Hot Organization, a non-profit organisation dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS though pop culture released “Red Hot + Blue”, featuring contemporary pop performers reinterpreting several songs written by Cole Porter. It sold over a million copies worldwide and was heralded as one of the first major HIV/AIDS benefits in the music business.

“I’ve Got You Under My Skin” was written by Cole Porter in 1936, it was nominated for the Academy award of Best Song. It became a signature song for Frank Sinatra and in 1966, became a top 10 hit for the Four Seasons. Since then, it has gone on to be recorded by many leading pop artists and jazz musicians.

Neneh Cherry’s reworked version of I’ve Got You Under My Skin was released as the lead single for the album in the UK and Europe.  Video follows, stay tuned because next week it’s all about sex!

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Heather Alcock, policy advisor for the All Party Parliamentary Group on HIV & AIDS joins LASS.

Posted on December 13, 2012 by | Comments Off
Heather Alcock at the LASS AGM 6th October 2011

Heather Alcock presenting certificates to volunteers at the LASS AGM 6th October 2011

Heather Alcock, policy advisor for the All Party Parliamentary Group on HIV & AIDS has agreed to join the LASS Board of Trustees as a co-opted Trustee.

This is great news for us and will give us a good profile nationally as well as influence with local MPs.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on HIV and AIDS is a backbench cross-Party group of MPs and Peers in the UK Parliament at Westminster.

MPs and Peers who have joined the Group have done so because they are concerned about both the devastation that HIV and AIDS are causing in developing countries and about their impact here in the UK including in our constituencies.

They believe that as parliamentarians they should play their part in addressing the HIV epidemic. In particular they say they have an important role in ensuring that laws and policies are respectful of human rights and promote public health.

On their website, you can read reports published by the Group, see examples of where we have raised issues about HIV and AIDS in Parliament and find out how to stay in touch with their work.

They say;

We value very highly the advice, guidance and support that we get from people living with HIV, NGOs and professionals outside Parliament. We hope that this website not only increases the information people can obtain about the Group, it also increases the dialogue between politicians and the people who are coping with the reality of life with HIV.

Please join us in welcoming Heather Alcock to our Board of Trustees.

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FREE Training: HIV & Culture

Posted on December 6, 2012 by | Comments Off

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Delivered in collaboration with people from a wide range of communities and cultures in Leicester, we will explore how culture affects perspectives and experiences of HIV.

  • Date & Time: Thursday, 13th December between 13:00-16:30 hrs.
  • Venue: The Michael Wood Centre, 53 Regent Road, Leicester, LE1 6YF.

The session will also look at ways of providing knowledge and empowerment about HIV to people with different cultural needs.”

Spaces are very limited, (only 10 available).  If you would like to attend, please contact us on 0116 2559995 and speak to our team who are happy to help.

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“…and it won’t go away.” 25 Years of Leicestershire AIDS Support Services

Posted on November 30, 2012 by | 1 Comment

 

The LASS History Project records the changing experiences of people affected by HIV over the years, while highlighting the extent to which HIV continues to disproportionately affect the most marginalised. It documents and celebrates the way people in Leicester came together to respond to the then, new virus and captures changes in attitudes, demography and health outcomes over the past 25 years.

LASS formed in 1987 as a telephone helpline for the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, at a time when it was almost impossible to find premises because of fear and stigma. 25 years later, we support over 500 people affected by HIV, we run a community rapid HIV testing service and work across communities to increase understanding and knowledge about HIV.

We received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop a history project to mark our 25th anniversary year. This project has created a publication and currently developing an archive, and will continue to produce mobile exhibition materials to capture the stories and experiences of people involved in LASS’s work over the past 25 years.

We highlight the distinctive characteristics of LASS, which include our location in the ethnically and culturally diverse city of Leicester and changes in our client group over the years.

While we show that HIV remains a significant local issue – with Leicester experiencing the 6th highest rising rate of infection in the country – we also celebrate the improved life expectancy of people with HIV, and show how LASShas evolved to meet changing needs and demands on our services.

It is our hope, that our history will inspire others and continue to raise awareness of the changing issues in responding to HIV and to challenge persistent myths and stereotypes.

Download your copy here

(PS: Celebrate World AIDS Day with us tomorrow night)! Click here for more details!

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From today, HIV treatment is free for all who need it!

Posted on October 1, 2012 by | 1 Comment

Lord Fowler

In March of this year we shared the the news that Asylum Seekers and other non-British citizens were to be given free HIV treatment after the government indicated it was willing to accept an amendment from Lord Fowler to the health bill.

That removal of charges for undocumented migrants and non-UK citizens accessing HIV treatment and care in England comes into effect today. From now on, HIV treatment will be provided free of charge to all who need it, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

The move was first announced in February and the relevant legislation passed in June. Health ministers have justified the change on the grounds of public health, pointing to the impact that HIV treatment has on onward transmission.

Although it was initially proposed that free HIV treatment should only be available to people who have been living in the UK for more than six months, this requirement has not been retained in the legislation.

While treatment in HIV clinics will always be free of charge, migrants living with HIV who need hospital treatment for another health condition, such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer, or who require antenatal care, may still be subject to charging regulations.

Moreover, the rules have only changed in England. In Scotland and Wales, although charges for HIV treatment have not been levied or actively pursued in recent years, the legislation still states that HIV treatment may be chargeable. In Northern Ireland, the legislation still states that HIV treatment may be chargeable, and these regulations have sometimes been rigorously enforced.

The National AIDS Trust (NAT) has called for a formal change in the law in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure that free universal access to HIV treatment is guaranteed across the UK.

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Together We Will End AIDS

Posted on July 23, 2012 by | Comments Off

Entitled Together we will end AIDS, the new UNAIDS report contains the latest data on numbers of new HIV infections, numbers of people receiving antiretroviral treatment, AIDS-related deaths and HIV among children. It highlights new scientific opportunities and social progress which are bringing the world closer to UNAIDS vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

The report also gives an overview of international and domestic HIV investments and the need for greater value for money and sustainability.

Calling for global solidarity and shared responsibility, the UNAIDS report contains commentaries from global and community leaders as well as people living with and affected by HIV.

Download here

Link to UNAIDS Campaign 

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Aging & HIV

Posted on May 20, 2012 by | 1 Comment
There’s no denying the life-extending benefits of antiretroviral therapy. While it has allowed many people living with HIV to plan for their golden years, it has also meant preparing to face age-related health problems. According to the CDC, 25 percent of those living with the virus are over 50 years old.  In turn, there’s a growing need for comprehensive  care to prevent and manage typical age-related maladies, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis—all of which can be complicated by HIV and its treatment.
You can find comprehensive information about treatment options from your GP and the people over at http://www.aidsmeds.com have written an excellent report into HIV & Ageing covering:
  • What is aging, and why do we become ill as we get older?
  • How does HIV affect the aging process?
  • Are people with HIV aging more rapidly?
  • Is it possible to slow down the aging process?
  • Are there experimental treatments to slow aging in people with HIV?

The good news is that most HIV-positive people can do quite a lot to slow the aging process and guard against the onset of age-related illness. So why not head over there and understand how aging works in the first place, and what you can do to help yourself..

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New partnership for HIV Prevention in England launched

Posted on May 4, 2012 by | 1 Comment

A new partnership for HIV prevention in England is launched today.  The TRUST Partnership is a collaboration between established players in the HIV sector and beyond to develop a new and inclusive vision for targeted HIV prevention in England.

TRUST is led by METRO, African Health Policy Network (AHPN), PACE, Birmingham LGBT, Sheffield Centre for HIV and Sexual Health and Leicestershire AIDS Support Service (LASS). These specialist organisations are joined by a range of clinical, commercial, academic and policy experts including the School of Medicine and Health and the Centre for Gender, Sex and Sexualities at Durham University, and Lateral Group.

With rates of HIV infection remaining high, the key aims of the Partnership are to reduce late and undiagnosed HIV and to prevent new infections.  In working towards those aims, the partnership is also looking at the general health and well being of those communities most affected by HIV – men who have sex with men (MSM) and African people.

The Partnership is founded on a model of transparency and inclusion that welcomes all organisations engaged in HIV Prevention work. TRUST’s vision is for an ‘open door’ approach based on community engagement to allow for focused, inclusive and collaborative HIV prevention work. This vision was developed through extensive consultation with the groups most affected by HIV.  Seven principles have been developed that all TRUST partners subscribe to.  TRUST will continue to engage with HIV prevention providers and wider stakeholders to develop new collaborations.

TRUST has submitted a response to the Department of Health’s tendering for a National Programme of Targeted HIV Prevention for a new programme, which will combine the current CHAPS and NAHIP programmes for MSM and African populations. TRUST is proposing a significant improvement to current service delivery and a significant number of existing CHAPS and NAHIP partners have signed up to the TRUST vision for change.

Dr Greg Ussher, Metro Deputy CEO said:

We know that HIV infection levels are high and that current prevention approaches are not as effective as they could be.  In the TRUST Partnership we believe that collaboration to harness the wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise of affected communities and the sector is the only way forward. United with people whose lives are affected by HIV, we can really make a difference.  Our vision and model of working together and welcoming all is the best defence in the fight against HIV and the best use of limited public sector resources.

Francis Kaikumba, AHPN CEO said:

TRUST aims to build on the successful work of engaging with community groups, faith  leaders and organisations to ensure that local activity is scaled up to improve quality and innovation in HIV prevention in England. TRUST partners look forward to working together in the future on other bids and to the TRUST approach becoming the standard of cooperative and innovative , multi-sector approaches to HIV prevention in the UK and beyond .It is through such a multidisciplinary and sector wide approach that we can truly address the complex issue of HIV prevention in England and deliver a really world class programme.

Denis Onyango, Acting CEO of Africa Advocacy Foundation (AAF) and Trustee of the African Health Forum said:

Africa Advocacy Foundation and the African Health Forum welcome the opportunity to join with the TRUST Partnership and to contribute to the development of its vision. Collaborative working has been the cornerstone of successful HIV prevention with African communities for the past decade and we are committed to seeking new and innovative ways to share learning and continuously improve services. Any national programme must be directly engaged with the people and communities it seeks to support. The TRUST Partnership represents a strong, coherent model for both national and regional HIV prevention in the future that is grounded in the reality of people’s lives.

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Education for awareness of and attitudes to HIV

Posted on April 27, 2012 by | Comments Off

Positive? (www.learningpositive.com) is a HIV information service website and the end work of the commitment and hard work of many UK Stakeholders, Partners and key players who in many different ways gave of their time, skills and expertise to help put together this innovative teaching and learning resource.

This highly accessible teaching and learning tool will challenge you, engage you, and empower you. By working through the different sections of the website, on your own, with friends or under the direction of your teacher, you will deepen your understanding of the facts about HIV whilst increasing your awareness of its social impact.

The interactive website is a tool to teach young people about HIV, how it affects people in the UK, how to prevent it spreading and how to reduce the discrimination experienced by those living with HIV. It also provides insights into the global dimension of the epidemic and introduces a series of interactive activities to raise awareness among the new generation and encourage positive, campaigning action to be taken.

As well as learning about HIV for yourself, you will also use your knowledge and understanding to develop an original campaign to advocate for people with HIV. As you work through the various activities, remember to think about which information would work well in raising awareness about key issues related to HIV.

The site helps to educate issues such as prejudice and stigma, discrimination, criminalisation and human rights and many more.  Check it out, it’s very useful for yourself and to pass to others.

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We’re re-introducing volunteer induction meetings!

Posted on April 17, 2012 by | Comments Off

On 26th April, and each month thereafter, we’ll be holding volunteer induction meetings for all new and current volunteers, who wish to stay up to date with the events and activities at LASS.

Meetings shall be in two parts; to begin with, we’ll ensure all new volunteers have an induction to LASS and our services where we’ll talk about our aims and objectives, an overview of our teams, confidentiality/policies, and checking paperwork like applications and CRB checks (if necessary).

Once these basics are covered, we’ll explain HIV basics and talk about volunteer involvement and plan for our current and future projects.  Previously we’ve shared our collective knowledge about volunteering within a health and social care environment, provided details of free training courses ranging from HIV information, to mentoring, to computer skills (some of these award certificates or qualifications).

LASS can be a busy place at times, and these monthly meetings are ideal to stay updated with our work and engage with us while socialising and staying active with new and interesting projects.

We have a very interesting year ahead, it’s our 25th anniversary and LASS has changed with the times, we work across the whole range of communities in Leicester and Leicestershire, tackling wider health, poverty and inequalities that impact on individuals living with HIV.  Throughout our 25 year celebrations, we plan to raise our profile higher by increasing the understanding and awareness of the changes in the reality of living with HIV over the past 25 years.

Some of our upcoming projects include the re-introduction of famous friends, documenting 25 years of LASS, developing our social enterprise further, a football match and even a walking boat race!

We request all new volunteers to attend at least one meeting so we can ensure new people are familiar with our service, and for everyone else, we hope you’ll become a regular so we can plan ahead and really make an impact like we have been doing over the past 25 years.

We hope you’ll join us on Thursday, 26th April at 11:00am at The Michael Wood Centre, we’d love to hear from you.

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