News: 03/2024 | Page 3 | George House Trust

 

SEX, CHEMS, HIV AND CONSENT: A NEW REPORT FROM GEORGE HOUSE TRUST AND SURVIVORS MANCHESTER

 

Sex, Chems, HIV and Consent is a groundbreaking report from George House Trust and Survivors Manchester, written by Dr Michael Atkins, AKA Cheddar Gorgeous.

 

George House Trust and Survivors Manchester are two organisations that see the impact of stigma every single day, whether that's related to HIV or sexual violence and abuse. We're helping people talk, break the silence and think differently about their lives so that they can move on, grow and help others.

 

READ THE REPORT

 

This report is very much a conversation starter and a precursor to more extensive piece of research.

 

Thank you to the people who shared stories, provided insight and helped shape the report's recommendations which we're committed to taking forward. 

 

If you need any support around chems, sex, HIV and/or consent, you can contact George House Trust using the details below or Survivors Manchester here

 

27th January 2023

Friday, 27 January, 2023

Equal access to HIV medication across England

 

Following a recent procurement exercise by NHS England, which included consultations with people living with HIV, HIV support charities and drug companies, people living with HIV will now have equal access to HIV medication no matter where they live in the country – meaning that everyone will now be able to access the same range of medications and latest treatments, including the first long lasting injectable treatment which has now started to become available at HIV clinics.

 

In some regions, this means that some people will now have gained access to additional treatments which were not previously available to them.

 

As a result of this exercise, HIV clinicians will now undertake a review of patients’ medications.

 

Some clinicians have already started these reviews with their patients. These discussions are in line with national guidelines from BHIVA (British HIV Association) and BASHH (British Association for HIV and Sexual Health).

 

It is really important to note that you will be able to stay on your existing medication following any review done by your HIV clinician.

 

However, you may be given the opportunity to switch to a different medication – which in many cases will mean a generic version of your current branded one.

 

Generic versions of HIV medication contain the same active ingredients as branded versions and so are clinically the same. However, they are much cheaper than branded drugs.

 

It is also important to note that some HIV drugs will no longer be offered routinely by clinicians in the future.

 

The most important thing to remember is that nobody will have to change medication and no change in the medication prescribed to you should happen without an agreement between you and your HIV consultant.

 

If you want to talk about any concerns you might have about these changes please call us and we will be happy to advise you.

 

Colin Armstead, 10th October 2022

Monday, 10 October, 2022

Today, George House Trust launched a new report - Towards Positive Practice

 

The report, commissioned and funded by Manchester City Council’s Public Health Team, carried out a research and engagement exercise focused on the experiences of people living with HIV when accessing primary healthcare, specifically GPs.

 

It details the research findings and makes some key recommendations for practitioners and people living with HIV.

 

You can download and read it here

 

27th September 2022

Tuesday, 27 September, 2022

JIDE - BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month 2022

 

Black History Month is a reminder of many atrocities against black folks especially in the West.

 

For most, it’s the evidence of racism in just about every sector, policing, housing, immigration, employment, religion, education, health, military, etc.

 

Black History Month provides us with the opportunity to do what is right and challenge ourselves, society, and the workforce about ensuring that the history of racial exploitation ends.

 

Black History Month is also about the authentic history of black and brown people in the West and especially in the UK.

 

A celebration of the immeasurable contributions of Black folks in the UK.

 

An opportunity to rewrite history and end the denial of the talents of Black people.  

 

It is therefore important to face the realities of equality, diversity, and inclusion now and the future, no matter how difficult and do everything we can to ensure that we break the chain of racial discrimination in our past, present, and future.   

 

Rev. Jide Macaulay

Chaplain, St Peter’s House Chaplaincy

Founder, House of Rainbow

Peer Mentor, George House Trust

12th October 2022

Wednesday, 12 October, 2022

AGATHA - BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Agatha's Reflections For Black History Month 2022

 

Black is beautiful, Black is excellent.

 

Black is pain, Black is joy, Black is evident.

 

Black is so much deeper than just Black.

 

Black is being strong inside while facing defeat.

 

Black is being guilty until proven innocent.

 

To me, Black History Month means acknowledging, honoring, and celebrating the history of Black blackness.

 

I also see it as a time to shed light on how the Black community continues to advance culture, industry, and society, even in the midst of all the injustices we still face as a community.

 

Black History Month is a celebration of how far I've come in disappearing the shame around my identity. It is a season to honor our ancestors and their hidden contributions, and a time of reflection on the work still to be done.

 

 

Agatha Phiri, 10th October 2022

Monday, 10 October, 2022

Ana - BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month 2022

 

 

Black is beauty, rhythm and joy.

 

Black is embracing and falling in love with my unique shade, curls and coils.

 

Black is a mixture of sorrow and resilience.

 

I see Black History Month as a time of reflection and remembrance.

 

A reflection on who we really are and how proud we should be of ourselves and to always remember those who came before us and paved our lives.

 

Black History Month emphasises the need to always stand up for ourselves and our community and being brave enough to not accept labels.

 

Black History Month is wisdom, hope and faith.

 

Ana Oliveira

18th October 2022

Tuesday, 18 October, 2022

Community Action Restores HIV Beacon of Hope

 

41 years since the beginning of the HIV response, George House Trust is delighted to announce a re-dedication event of the Beacon of Hope HIV Memorial on Saturday 23rd July 2022 at 12:30pm.

 

Over the last year, community organisations have worked together to make the much-needed refurbishment of the Beacon of Hope a reality. The aim was to ensure that the Beacon of Hope was restored to a respectful memorial honouring the memories of everyone lost to HIV over the years.

 

Work included the repainting of the railings around the Beacon, re-gilding of lettering on the plinth, replacement of missing and broken mosaic tiles and repairs to the internal lighting inside the Beacon itself. The HIV timeline plaques spanning the years 1981 to 2021 - many of which were faded or rusting - are also in the process of being replaced.  

 

Manchester’s Beacon of Hope was conceived in 1997 as a response to HIV, erected in 2000 and stands as a memorial to everyone lost to HIV and as a symbol of solidarity with everyone living with HIV today.

 

This rededication event is open to all to attend and is at the Beacon of Hope in Sackville Gardens in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village.

 

The community partners who’ve led the restoration of the Beacon of Hope and its surroundings include George House Trust, Friends of Sackville Gardens, Manchester City Council, LGBT Foundation and Manchester Pride, supported by venues from across the Gay Village. The project has also been supported by Greater Manchester Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisor, Carl Austin-Behan.

 

People are being encouraged to bring flowers in memory of friends and loved ones which can be placed on the Beacon from 12.30pm. The short event will start at 1pm with speeches. 

 

Darren Knight, Chief Executive at George House Trust said, “The passion, energy and commitment of everyone who’s been involved in restoring the Beacon of Hope brings home to me exactly why it is needed. It’s about remembrance, history and hope for the future and I’m really pleased that this significant HIV landmark has had the attention and respect it deserves. HIV may have changed, but there’s still work to do so that people living with the virus can live healthy and confident lives. This rededication of the Beacon of Hope provides a platform to continue to raise awareness, educate, inform and campaign about HIV across Greater Manchester and beyond.”

Monday, 11 July, 2022

Mpox Statement

 

Mpox– Important information.

 

Below is an update on the current situation with regards to the number of people currently affected, how Mpox is transmitted, symptoms and what to do if you think you may have monkeypox.

 

As you will be aware, there is on ongoing outbreak of ‘Mpox’ in the UK, other parts of Europe, the US and Canada.

 

The UK Security Agengy (UKSHA) have stated that 'everyone is being asked to be aware of Mpox symptoms but it's particularly important gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are alert. I-base have also stated that 'although Mpox is still very rare in the UK. The risks are significantly higher for some gay and bisexual men'.

 

They go on to note that the recent outbreak is ‘significant and needs to be taken seriously’.

 

To date there have been over 1000 cases of Mpox reported in the UK with 80% of these in the Greater London area. There has also been a significant number of cases reported in the North West and this number is expected to rise.

 

With direct skin contact, Mpox is highly infectious and easily transmitted.

 

It’s important to note that Mpox is normally a mild illness and is unlikely to lead to further complications. Most which most people recover from in a few weeks. In the current outbreaks, 1 in 10 people need to be treated in hospital, this is usually to help manage pain. There have been no deaths linked to the current outbreak.

 

How does Mpox transmit?

 

  • By close contact with someone who has symptoms, e.g. touching skin, sexual contact, kissing, hugging – this is especially after the ulcers have developed. This is because the fluid in MPX blisters is highly infectious.
  • Through droplets in the air – this usually involves extended time with someone in a room with poor ventilation. For example, spending more than 3 to 6 hours, where you are within two meters.
  • Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the Mpox rash.

 

The risk of catching Mpox is generally low. However, it is much higher for people who have multiple partners, or whose partners have these risks. There is a greater risk of catching Mpox from sexual partners and people you live with.

 

There is a greater risk of catching Mpox if you attend sex parties, sex on premises venues (e.g. a sauna), attend cruising grounds or have multiple individual sexual partners. 

 

What are the symptoms?

 

Based on the limited data available, it can take from 1 to 3 weeks for Mpox symptoms to develop. For most people, this is 10 to 12 days after contact.

 

Initial symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. Unexpected or unexplained spots, ulcers or blisters can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body including the genitals.

 

The spot, ulcer or blister changes over time and goes through different stages, and can look like chickenpox, herpes or syphilis, before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.

 

Symptoms last for up to four weeks.

 

HIV and Mpox

 

The British HIV Association (BHIVA) has stated that HIV should not increase the risk of catching Mpox. Nor, based on what we currently know, is HIV linked to different symptoms or outcomes. This is based on an undetectable viral load and a CD4 count that is well above 200.

 

It is currently being reported that roughly half of the Mpox cases have been in men who are living with HIV.

 

What should I do if I have symptoms?

 

Do not attend a clinic, hospital or your GP in person, unless they arrange an appointment with you.

 

Contact your local sexual health/GUM clinic if:

 

  • You have a new unexplained/unexpected spot, ulcer or blister on your body, especially the face or genitals.
  • You have been in contact with someone who has Mpox in the last three weeks.

 

Mpox Treatment and Vaccine

 

There is treatment for Mpox. This is only used if needed, with most people able to manage the illness at home.

 

Sexual health services cross Greater Manchester have received a small supply of a smallpox vaccine. This vaccine can be used to protect people from the Mpox virus. 

 

There is a limited supply of the vaccine so, initially, one dose is being offered to those at highest risk by sexual health clinics they are known to. As more vaccine supplies become available, more people will be offered the first dose of the vaccine.

 

Please do not contact clinics regarding vaccination, they will be in contact with pateints to offer the vaccine as supplies become available. You can find out more about why you might have to wait here: Why do I have to wait for my smallpox (MVA) vaccination (publishing.service.gov.uk)

 

Information for patients about the vaccine and who is eligible can be found here:  Mpox vaccination resources - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

Can I come to George House Trust if I have symptoms?

 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, or feel generally unwell, do not come to the George House Trust building.

 

If you require support, we can provide this over the phone or online.  You can contact our office directly on 0161 274 4499 or email talk@ght.org.uk.

 

You can find additional information about Mpox here:

 

 I-base Mpox Q&A 

General information about Mpox from the NHS

Latest updates from the UKHSA

BHIVA rapid statement on Mpox virus

 

(some information in this article is courtesy of the Terrence Higgins Trust, I-Base and BHIVA)

Friday, 1 July, 2022

UK and Ireland Fastrack Cities and BHIVA Spring Conference 2022

 

Manchester is indeed the epicentre of everything; from music, partying, football; industry, Corrie…even a crackin’ curry!

 

However this week, a commitment to ending new transmissions of HIV, supporting people to live well with HIV and tackling HIV stigma were all firmly added to the list!

 

 

The Manchester Conference Centre played host to the UK and Ireland Fast Track Cities Conference on Tuesday 19th April 2022 where George House Trust presented on key pieces of work including our Intensive Support Programme and our Positive Speakers work.

 

 

We joined NHS and Local Authority colleagues, as well as lots of volunteers and HIV activists and many amazing charities from up and down the country to share the epic work that were all doing in our joint efforts.

 

 

Then on Wednesday 20th April 2022, Manchester was host to BHIVA’s Spring Conference 2022!

 

 

The 3-day HIV extravaganza brought together experts, researchers, activists, clinicians, people living with HIV, charities and drug companies to talk about everything from new drugs, breastfeeding, campaigns, stigma and innovation in relation to HIV and loads, loads more.

 

 

There were thought provoking presentations from a range of individuals, and Josh and Yvonne from George House Trust both had had an opportunity to share their thoughts as presenters. Even Sir Richard Leese and Greater Manchester's Mayor Andy Burnham came along to share their support.

 

 

It was incredible to see the passion across both conferences around HIV and the sheer brilliance of the people working to make life better. It was a week of inspiration, learning and creativity and I’ve even been left with a bag full of incredibly important resources from Sophia Forum around HIV and the menopause; something that needs to be talked about more!

 

 

It’s so important that we take the time to learn, share and inspire others. My key takeaway from this brilliant week is that when it comes to HIV, it’s truly a team effort, a human effort and indeed a global effort.

 

 

Darren Knight

Chief Executive

22nd April 2022

Friday, 22 April, 2022

Every day at George House Trust we support people living with HIV who are dealing with the negative impact of HIV stigma.

 

Self-stigma, societal stigma and institutional stigma can all prevent people from living healthily and confidently with HIV.  

 

We are therefore pleased to announce that we helped to develop an e-learning module on HIV stigma for healthcare professionals. The module will be mandatory for all patient-facing staff. 

 

We are delighted that this training has been developed to support NHS staff to learn and understand the facts about HIV and the impact of HIV stigma. 

 

We are certain that it will help ensure that people who are living with HIV feel safe, supported and respected when accessing care and treatment.

 

This training module will make a huge difference to the lives of people living with HIV and is a significant step towards Greater Manchester becoming a place free of HIV stigma and discrimination.

 

Thanks to the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership for funding this work, and to Mark, Nathaniel, Paul and Yvonne for their input, contributions and feedback. 

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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