Welfare Fund

Nationally, approximately 50% of people living with HIV either claim welfare benefits, or live on very low incomes.

Also at GHT we have a significant number of people who are going through the asylum system, have been refused asylum seekers or are otherwise subject to immigration control and therefore destitute.

So many of GHT’s service users face real hardship and that is why we need to boost our Welfare Fund in 2012-2013.

Case study
Geoff is a 30 year old gay man who has had significant health problems in the past 12 months and has reluctantly had to give up his demanding job and claim welfare benefits until he is able to work again.

Shortly after finishing work, his cooker broke down and for a time he lived on sandwiches and instant noodles. GHT helped him to buy a new cooker, and now he is able to cook hot nutritious meals that play an essential role in maintaining his health.

£15 pays for a fortnightly welfare payment for a destitute asylum seeker

£25 pays for a waterproof pair of shoes

£30 pays for new bedding for someone who experiences night sweats

£35 buys children’s clothes and shoes

£75 pays for a small fridge for someone who has to keep their medication cool

£100 helps to pay for a new washing machine for someone who can’t afford to replace a broken one