In depth study of HIV and AIDS in Bradford launched
Bradford's first ever in-depth study of HIV and AIDS across the district is to be launched at a special event next week.
'Being Positive in Bradford - an Analysis of the Social Support Needs of People Affected by HIV and AIDS in the Bradford District' looks at the number of people with the condition, future forecasts of cases, current support available and what more is needed in the future. It is being officially showcased on Friday, 5 February at the Great Victoria Hotel.
Keynote speakers at the launch event will include Baroness Gould, Chair of the Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV and Coun Dale Smith, Executive Member for Adult and Community Services and Chair of the Strategic Disability Partnership. It will run from 12noon to 2.30pm.
The report by independent consultant Hazel Bone was commissioned by Bradford Council's Adult and Community Services. It cites the need for increased support people living with HIV/AIDS in the district as numbers of cases expected to grow. The current number of people accessing care for AIDS or HIV is around 450. This figure is expected to rise to 550 by 2012. However, an estimated 30 per cent of people who have the virus do not know that they do, so the actual figure could be well over 700 locally.
Bradford Council, receives an AIDS Support Grant from the Government (£137k for 2009/10) to provide social support i.e. counselling, one to one sessions, group sessions, advice and community events. Yorkshire *MESMAC's OUR Project is currently contracted to fulfil this role. Other services are provided by the NHS, Bradford Council's Adult Services' social care teams and various other agencies and voluntary sector organisations.
But more services are needed, according to the report, because of the growing pressure on current support due to issues, such as an ageing HIV population and the stigma surrounding HIV.
Suggestions for a future social care project include:
- One to one support
- Regular drop-in sessions
- Counselling, therapy and one to one mental health support
- Group work on mental health and wellbeing issues
- Outreach project with African communities and their churches.
Coun Dale Smith, Executive Member for Adult and Community Services, said: "This report gives a very detailed picture of HIV and AIDS in our district. There is a great deal being done to support people. This research shows that we have to expand on this good work so we can pinpoint help where it is most needed."
The report is dedicated to Richard Day, who worked with Yorkshire MESMAC for nine years in a range of roles supporting people with HIV. He was an advocate for the people's rights, challenging the stigma of HIV, and was described as an 'inspirational trainer'. Richard, who was born in Keighley, died in May 2009 just before his 40th birthday.
Officer/Contact
Alec Porter
Manager of the Strategic Disability Partnership and Sensory Needs Services
Telephone: 01274 435001
PDF version
Bradford's first ever in-depth study of HIV and AIDS across the district is to be launched at a special event next week.
'Being Positive in Bradford - an Analysis of the Social Support Needs of People Affected by HIV and AIDS in the Bradford District' looks at the number of people with the condition, future forecasts of cases, current support available and what more is needed in the future. It is being officially showcased on Friday, 5 February at the Great Victoria Hotel.
Keynote speakers at the launch event will include Baroness Gould, Chair of the Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV and Coun Dale Smith, Executive Member for Adult and Community Services and Chair of the Strategic Disability Partnership. It will run from 12noon to 2.30pm.
The report by independent consultant Hazel Bone was commissioned by Bradford Council's Adult and Community Services. It cites the need for increased support people living with HIV/AIDS in the district as numbers of cases expected to grow. The current number of people accessing care for AIDS or HIV is around 450. This figure is expected to rise to 550 by 2012. However, an estimated 30 per cent of people who have the virus do not know that they do, so the actual figure could be well over 700 locally.
Bradford Council, receives an AIDS Support Grant from the Government (£137k for 2009/10) to provide social support i.e. counselling, one to one sessions, group sessions, advice and community events. Yorkshire *MESMAC's OUR Project is currently contracted to fulfil this role. Other services are provided by the NHS, Bradford Council's Adult Services' social care teams and various other agencies and voluntary sector organisations.
But more services are needed, according to the report, because of the growing pressure on current support due to issues, such as an ageing HIV population and the stigma surrounding HIV.
Suggestions for a future social care project include:
- One to one support
- Regular drop-in sessions
- Counselling, therapy and one to one mental health support
- Group work on mental health and wellbeing issues
- Outreach project with African communities and their churches.
Coun Dale Smith, Executive Member for Adult and Community Services, said: "This report gives a very detailed picture of HIV and AIDS in our district. There is a great deal being done to support people. This research shows that we have to expand on this good work so we can pinpoint help where it is most needed."
The report is dedicated to Richard Day, who worked with Yorkshire MESMAC for nine years in a range of roles supporting people with HIV. He was an advocate for the people's rights, challenging the stigma of HIV, and was described as an 'inspirational trainer'. Richard, who was born in Keighley, died in May 2009 just before his 40th birthday.
Officer/Contact
Alec Porter
Manager of the Strategic Disability Partnership and Sensory Needs Services
Telephone: 01274 435001
Media Relations Officer
Kathy Grillo
Telephone: 01274 433526
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 29.01.10
http://www.bradford.gov.uk/bmdc/information_and_communication/public_rel...